Community Corner:

Ice skating

Life is all about experiences and learning. I am fond of reading self-help books, and whenever I listen to any new book, I figure out one thing I want to learn and then I add it in my bucket list. Last winter, I added ice skating to my bucket list. In India, I had learned how to roller skate in school extra curricular activities and I wanted to learn ice skating.
One day I decided to buy a pair of figure skates, but it is expensive to buy new pairs of skates. My friends gave me so many different suggestions for how to buy some that were more reasonable. Then I decided to post on the Sioux Lookout Area & Events Facebook page, regarding skates. There were many generous people that had skates to donate. My co-worker, Amarissa Estep, had an extra pair of her mother’s skates and she gave them to me. I have never worn ice skates before so I was not sure how to tighten the skates. 
My friend, Andrea Cospito, took me to a noon skate at the arena and I started from there. It was a great experience on the first day. I learned many basic things about ice skating. It was challenging to tighten up the laces so you don’t fall down. I’m still having a hard time learning to tighten them up.
Andrea encouraged me to start by holding onto the railings and I followed her idea. Now, during my lunch breaks, I often go for noon public skating at the arena and practice skating while holding onto the railings. My co-workers, Jennifer Hancharuk and Victoria Brunton, have been helping me balance and, last Friday, for the first time, I was able to balance by myself! It was hard at first and I was scared when I thought about falling down, but I took my time and went very slowly. 
Unfortunately, I did fall down. But whenever we fall down, we learn how to get back up again and I did that, after getting some support. I always believe it’s important to make yourself comfortable in uncomfortable situations and that’s the beginning of new learning.
Well, I am so proud of my progress in ice skating, and I am sure my mother from heaven will be checking on me and she will be proud of me as always.
Komal Vijay Shah