Career and passion intertwined ‘Plan A’ worked out just fine for this determined skater
by SARAH ARNOLD After what seems like a lifetime in the
making, I have moved to Colorado Springs for a position at U.S. Figure Skating as the manager of athlete development. With an immense amount of gratitude for all those who’ve been there throughout the process, I cannot be more thankful. I am thrilled to work for the organization
that has provided me with such a life and in- troduced me to my passion 21 years ago. School was never easy. In fact, I remem-
ber sitting at the kitchen table in second grade crying because I couldn’t seem to figure out the math problems in my homework. Teach- ers would tell my parents, “She will be fine. We will revisit it.” I was fortunate that my parents taught me how to self-advocate and seek the help I needed to be successful. Despite all the resources and sugges-
tions, school never got easier, but I learned strategies along the way. To have a balance of academics and extracurricular activities grow- ing up was incredibly important for me (and for so many children). My greatest outlet was skating. My par-
ents supported my passion and gave me the chance to spend afternoons at the rink near- ly every day. It turned into a space not only to release energy and accomplish goals, but where my right-brained visual learning and creative mind could thrive. My days and week- ends were filled with supportive coaches and lifelong friends who lifted me up and taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life, including but not limited to, commitment, re- silience, perseverance and loyalty. When I expressed interest in going to Miami University to my high school guid-
ance counselor, he said, with hesitation, that I would be better off at a smaller, local school. I begged to differ and told him it had been my dream and aspiration since I was 11 years old. Without further ado, I submitted my application for early decision and received my acceptance letter in December of 2007. The next four years unfolded into the
greatest memories of my life. The life lessons, the championships, the life of a varsity stu- dent-athlete were everything I had hoped for and more. But the unyielding love and support that has continued to transpire from the Mi- ami skating family for years beyond my grad- uation date has been even more meaningful. This summer, I lost my eldest sibling in a
tragic car accident and a teammate of mine also lost a loved one. Then I found out a close friend and her sisters were missing in the Grand Teton National Park for six days. What went from a topic of conversation in the Mil- waukee community turned into national and world news; thankfully prayers were answered and they were found. Our family, friends and especially the skating community have been there in immeasurable ways that can’t be put into words.
Simply stated, it’s a beautiful thing when
your passion and career come together. My career truly began 21 years ago when
my parents signed me up for a learn-to-skate program, and by the age of 18, I had pro- gressed into leadership roles for U.S. Figure Skating. Through being selected for the first U.S. Figure Skating DREAM program, the doors to limitless opportunities in all my favorite things took shape. I became a spokesperson, ambassador, team leader, journalist and pho-
tographer and fulfilled these roles with a heart full of passion for this organization. The cost of tuition for my education at
both Miami University and Marquette Univer- sity is something I’ve never taken for grant- ed. To those who believed and saw potential in my leadership capabilities, I am humbled. For my family, friends, mentors, professors and superiors who listened, supported and expressed interest in my endeavors, I will always be thankful. I heard if you have a Plan B, it distracts
from Plan A. I had Plan A, B, C, D, E, and so on, to ensure I had options and broaden my horizons to all that’s out there. However, one of the last individuals I sat down with for an informational interview discouraged me from my other plans. He said, “Go with Plan A.” He knew that’s what fueled the fire and if it didn’t pan out, we’d talk. I guess he will be happy to know Plan A worked. We often hear that good things happen
to those who wait. I don’t necessarily believe it. There are people who wait their entire lives for the dream job they never get. The stars don’t always align, and sometimes, tragic things happen to great people and we ask the question, why? Sometimes a dream job of something we truly love is a great hobby but it isn’t suitable for making a living, putting food on the table and paying the bills. All of this is valid, isn’t forgotten and certainly keeps things in perspective. I’ll admit, I’m just one of the fortunate ones where my Plan A did work and with that, I am truly blessed.
58 OCTOBER 2015
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