Since January 6, 2016, skiing has created a permanent impact on my life. I was 9 years old to be exact, and very stubborn. When my dad first planted my little pink skis on the ground, I was excited. Over the few runs I had on the bunny hill, I came to learn that I hated it. I could not stand the fact that I could not just simply learn it by one attempt. Learning a skill such as skiing requires time and patience and strength. My father seemingly pushed me to try and try again until I got a grasp of the snowy sport. Through my fits, tantrums and cries, I finally got the grasp of how to glide across the crystal white snow and stop on my command. A wave of motivation then surged through my mind and body, and I have forever wanted to improve. Through the many years of Mount Snow, Killington, Okemo, Windham and Magic Mountain, I improved my skiing skills. I could now glide through the snow, stop as wanted and needed, and even attempt tricks and jumps throughout terrain parks. When my skills began to surpass those who I used to follow behind, I had always sat on the side of the trails, waiting for them while they were now behind me, to catch up. Although I had grown and become stronger at my passion, I remained loyal to those I began with, skiing side by side with them. When I finally became skilled enough to soar through the everglades of Mount Snow, I experienced a whole new world. It was as if time had stopped. The sweet silence of the world around me, only the noise of wind guiding dustings of snow to glide around the snowy ground and the trees moving to be heard. At these moments, I give myself a moment to pause and breathe in the sharp cold air. Looking through the occasional scarcity of trees that create an opening view of the mountains miles ahead. Nature truly is such a beautiful gift and moments such as those remind me of the gift I was given to be born in. Throughout life, skiing remains to be a stable and consistent part. I seemingly make new friends on each trip I take to a mountain. As I meet more people, my confidence socially and within my physical skill slowly expands. I've become a better, more confident, outgoing and courageous person through the daily socialization I experience with all too many people to count, each day on the mountain. One of my favorite days on the mountain are definitely the ones where I run into the many fluffy pets. I’ve met so many dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Huskies, and even more. My absolute favorite dogs that I have met both had goggles on. Skiing, more importantly, grants me the fitness to remain in good health. With the exercise needed to ski, whether it be on the terrain park or the main mountain, my body becomes stronger from the hours spent on the mountain. Overall, skiing has become a very heart-touching outdoor activity of mine. It’s one of the biggest things that has shaped me to who I am, whether it be physically or mentally. It has granted me stories to tell and memories to hold and I would not be who I am without such an impactful experience. An experience such as that cannot be recreated in any other scenario and my love for it has only, and will continue, to grow.