I was re-introduced to the skating world four months into the COVID-19 pandemic. I have always had a love for skating beginning with watching ice skaters like Kristi Yamaguchi, Surya Bonaly, and Oksana Baiul fly across the television while I sat in the living room with my grandma, both of us mesmerized. I eventually left my childhood fantasy of becoming an ice skater to become a social worker and therapist.
Fast forward to July 2020 and something clicked as I sat in my office watching Oumi Janta & Ana Coto flow and glide down my Instagram feed. It was hard to find a pair of skates since at that point they were flying off the shelves, but I purchased a pair through eBay. Months of worrying about this new disease floating through the air while managing a supportive housing residence for people with histories of homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and trauma, while also providing therapy part-time was (and still is) a challenge. I found it difficult to relax, even at home, because I was worried about how to keep myself and my work community safe in addition to the work that already comes with the role. I was also having trouble sleeping. I knew I needed an outlet and rollerskating has become the best kind for me. I found a new freedom in dancing and rolling around the quiet garage in my apartment building to my favorite tunes. It was like having a secret space, the figurative tree house in my backyard I always wanted as a kid, but couldn’t have.
Skating has also given me the space to grieve the death of my grandfather, who passed away this December. His passing was not COVID related, but my family and I still lost the ability to say goodbye and to comfort him in his last days due to COVID restrictions. I might start off a skating session in tears because I miss my grandpa, but jamming and grooving to his favorite music brings so much joy and memories of the time we shared. Skating has become such an amazing coping mechanism for me.
Through my work I have the special privilege of getting to know so many people, learn so many stories, offer support, and feel useful as a result. Through skating I’ve found release, freedom, and a community. Now I’m the person gliding across a screen, sharing my joy, and finding the confidence in myself that I wished for in my 20s. I’m so thankful to have found a community that is so welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and supportive.
@shenanswithkrys
