I was six years old when my father heard about skating classes. He somehow knew I was going to excel at it. He filled out the form and got me enrolled. My mother was a little afraid because I was too thin and small.

I was excited, yet frightened, but my family gave me all the courage and confidence I needed. The class was scheduled for 7 a.m. But guess what? My happiness and excitement turned upside down when no one was available to take me to class early in the morning because of work commitments. I had lost all hope of making it to the class, but my father surprised me by getting permission to go to work late on my class days.

Finally, when we arrived for my class, I saw that, even though it was the first class, some students were already skating like experts! To make matters worse, all the skates that fit me were already taken. I was given a pair that didn’t fit well.

My father and the instructor encouraged me a lot, so I tried. Every time I attempted to skate, I fell and felt embarrassed. Then my father would hold my hand and walk with me. After I returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how I could excel and become an expert.

The next day, my father bought me a new pair of skate shoes. They were grey and black, with a comfortable sole and adjustable strap. For the entire week, I practiced skating before my next class. In each subsequent class, I performed better than before. Not only could I skate and walk, but I was also able to race, brake, hop and do much more. My family and friends were so happy and proud to see my progress.

I still go skating and now I am quite good at it. I feel confident because if I had never taken those classes, I wouldn’t have developed the skills and balance that I have today. Skating has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express myself and enjoy freedom.

Every time I glide on the rink, I remember my father’s support that helped me reach this stage. I think about the challenges I faced as a beginner and how far I’ve come. Those moments of falling and getting back up taught me resilience and determination. Skating has also helped me build friendships with others who share the same passion, creating a sense of community and support.

Moreover, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of movement and the joy of mastering something that once seemed so difficult. Each time I skate, I am reminded that practice and perseverance can lead to great achievements, both on and off the rink.

I still love to skate because it teaches me balance. Just like a terrain that isn’t always smooth, life also has its ups and downs. We face difficulties and problems, but if we hold our parents and family’s hands tightly and stay proud of ourselves, we can smoothly get through anything.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 26th, 2024