Personal Narrative-My First Figure Skating

Cutting bits of me that cannot handle the pressure and stress; developing pieces of the more disciplined me; testing my concentration; forcing my mentality to be flexible; enlarging the best of me: my determination, integrity, confidence, ingenuity, independence. Ultimately, skating leaves me more focused, more disciplined and more confident. It shapes my character, reminding me that success only feels worthwhile if it has a bit of blood behind it; skating tells me to try again, to keep working. Perseverance has been my grace. And as my skating career comes to a close, I have taken the time to teach those around me. The young skaters I teach think I am inspiring them, but they change who I am, altering me into a more caring, compassionate person.

Roller derby training was tough, mentally and physically. As I skated around the roller rink on the first day, for seemingly the 100th time, and I thought, “What the

It all started at 2, when my father bought me skates, and made a skating rink in my backyard. Then, I got into the sport, which at 6, I was nationally known, and people were lining up for autographs at 10, had interviews for magazines at 15, 17 he was in the WHA, then the NHL the year later. It was fast, how I moved through my life, but I couldn’t think of a life different life like it.

I want to tell you a little bit about my background that can give you a better understanding of me as a person. As a young kid, I grew up on a pair of skates. Me and my brother couldn’t wait until friday night when my dad would take us the the rink and let us skate around. When we were finally old enough to join a hockey team that was the beginning of a life pacion that would continue to this day. Know I am greatly privileged to play on my high school hockey team, and in 10th grade our team actually won state.

It was cloudy in the late morning, which meant even the weather didn’t look promising, Even more optimistically looking it seemed like the clouds were about to rupture into trillions of droplets each one a part of me about to shatter from humiliation. And obviously rain and humidity were the best conditions for field hockey. The building looked more downcast than I’d ever seen it, and when my dad parked the car it became more evident that this was not going to go as faultlessly as I hoped it would.

From the age of three, my life was nothing but Hockey. With a father who was a hockey player and a brother 3 years older already playing hockey, it was clear which sport I was going to get into. Once I started walking, my parents put me on the ice to learn the game of hockey. I instantly fell in love and I have continued playing to this day. Once it came time to play high school hockey, it all got serious. I was a freshman on the varsity team with my brother, who was a senior at the time. This was nothing but an emotional year for me, it was my first year in high school and my last year to play on a team with my brother. Once my brother graduated, he decided to go onto Juniors hockey, which is what I would do once I graduated. By the time I graduated high school, my brother would exceed the age limit for juniors hockey, so

Entering that room, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. As I sat there my heart dropped when I heard the words, "you made the team", "you are not going to play much", and "if you tryout next year you will not make the team". I was in such a daze as I reemerged from the room. It was as if the wind had been knocked out of me and I was having trouble understanding what had just happened. I had never felt disappointment like I did in that moment in my entire life. Soccer had been the only sport I knew for 8 years. Change had always been a struggle for me since I was little so I was aware that trying a new sport was going to be difficult. Field hockey captains practices were held during the summer, so I decided to go to one and

It all started in my basement, I was playing my Xbox in my soft gray couch as the screeching door was opened. My mom walked in frantically and nervous as she handed me the shiny gray ipad. Suddenly I looked at the ipad it was a blank white screen, it was slower than molasse as I sat there I was freaking out about what she had to show me. There were thoughts bubble in my head like¨Is it really what think it is” or ¨ Did I make the team¨. After a dreadful five minutes it finally had come I was so scared I probably almost peed myself. As I was looking through the page, I did not see my name but then I realized it was in alphabetical order as soon as I knew I went the bottom of the then I saw my name. My family and I were so excited we were jumping

“The name on the front of the jersey is a lot more important than the name on back”, Herb Brooks. My years as a hockey player has been fun. I’ve gained experience and learned the game from my hockey coach Travis Lupke and friend Hunter Johnson. I’ve played hockey for six years and I’m now going into my sixth year. This is my first year of high school hockey and I’m excited to learn the game from the more experienced players.

When I was young, I fell in love with competitive figure skating. The ice was my second home, and every minute I spent on it was pure bliss. By the time I was ten, I had practices four times a week and several competitions a year. Unfortunately, my path to success did not leave me unscathed. I had many falls and accidents over the years, and getting back up was almost never easy. The worst accident occurred when I was first starting to skate. I was four years old, and it led to my parents almost taking me off of the ice forever.

My brain goes silent. I forget my problems, my issues, my struggles, and everything that makes me feel dead inside. Nothing gives me more hope and happiness, then running on floor to hanging on a bar. From the darkness inside comes a light that feels like an eternal flame that can never be extinguished. Nothing can stop me from feeling more alive. Starting gymnastics has been the best decision I have ever made and has made me the person I am today. With every move, every skill, and every moment, gymnastics makes me feel alive.

What's going on gnarly crew!? By posting this picture of my new board setup, I'd like to introduce myself, and a new chapter of my life. I'm a filmmaker, who lost the passion for his craft. Last couple of years have been pretty rough. I had to battle a lot of things at once, whether it were financial or mental issues. Recently though I have regained the passion for creating again through an old hobby of mine. Skateboarding. A couple months ago I started watching several YouTube personalities in skateboarding scene, as well as some old school skate films. Skateboarding has been an old hobby of mine for a long time. In the beginning college took that away a little, later on work in film industry completely made me forget about it. Watching those

I was about to skate next in my figure skating competition. The pressure was swirling in my head like cotton candy. “I’m so nervous. I don’t think I’ll skate my best,” I told my coach. She shook her head and said, “Meghan, you worked so hard before this competition. Do not be nervous. Just believe in yourself.” Suddenly, a light had been turned on in my brain. Turns out, I just had to believe that I could skate well. I was capable of doing the possible what I thought had been the impossible. Not only was I ready to prove to everyone that I was a strong skater, I was ready to prove to myself how strong I was. “Our next skater is Meghan McNabb,” the announcer called. I skated onto the ice confidently, keeping the worry out of my head. I struck

Do you ever remember when you were a kid and wanted a toy but never got it what did you do?

Many people dread Mondays, but I always looked forward to Mondays spent at TOPSoccer. This student-run, community-based program enables children with disabilities to learn the sport in a supportive environment. This is where I met Evan, an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy. Evan was limited in his mobility and had speech difficulties, which made communication trying at times, so forging a relationship with him was challenging; understandably, he wasn't the most willing participant. Over the next four years together, I continually sought new ways to engage Evan, whether pushing his wheelchair around the field house or playing catch. With my encouragement, Evan's attitude began to change. By my senior year, Evan's grinning face and clapping hands