One way that I have made a difference in my community is through my Learn to Skate program. Through this, I help kids around my area learn how to ice skate. In my experience, I have inspired many kids to fall in love with ice skating and hockey, which brings me joy. As these kids began graduating from the program, I watched many eagerly sign up for hockey teams, their faces lighting up excitedly. I am so glad to share my love of skating and ice hockey with future generations. 

Specifically, I also offer private lessons to a little boy named Judd. He first began skating with me because he doesn’t respond well to males, which we have many in our skating program. He was timid, his voice barely a whisper on the ice. He didn’t have much to say to me. As I began to work with him more and more, he grew increasingly comfortable and confident in his skates, and like a flower blooming in spring, he fell in love with skating. This little boy loved to play pretend, so I would create games on the ice to help him learn. One of these games was bubble hopscotch. He would pretend that he was playing hopscotch on the ice and would have to go into every circle on the ice to finish the game. In my mind, each one is a stepping stone in his journey. Now, he plays on the youth ice hockey team. This once scared boy became an enthusiastic skater, blossoming through my support and encouragement.