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As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricularÌýactivities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for aÌýmoment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part ofÌýsome bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your ownÌýenjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it.Ìý

My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At thatÌýpoint in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicingÌýmy bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not.Ìý

On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybeÌýplaying some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition toÌýhaving a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people areÌýbuilt for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group.Ìý

After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and saidÌýI would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandestÌýby any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own.Ìý

I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute myÌýweight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong timeÌýcauses a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control.Ìý

Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor toÌýimprove upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboardingÌýtwo/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, butÌýto look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point.Ìý

Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not fromÌýthe activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories,Ìýand finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect ofÌýlife.

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