Skateboarding and Authortiy

Authority

            When it comes to skateboarding, I consider myself an authority. I began skating when I was seven years old, and my first skateboard was purchased by my grandfather. I skated in a rural town in South Texas named Lyford at this age, and spent my afternoons learning how to ollie. After moving to a neighboring town I was able to expand my interest in skateboarding as the city had a skatepark at the boys and girls club. 

            I struggled financially as an adolescent, and skateboarding always gave me something to look forward to. Skateboarding meant that I could hang out with friends and focus on things outside of my financial disparities; it also allowed me to indulge in qualities like determination and patience. Skateboarding provided a huge escape for me, and I quickly adopted skateboarding as a permanent hobby. I also credit skateboarding with helping me identify my core values and personality traits. 

            By the age of 16 I was sponsored by a skateboard shop based out of Brownsville, Texas. This was a very impactful moment in my life because my abilities in skateboarding were sharp, and the youth at my local skatepark looked to me for guidance. It was the first time in my life that I felt that I could do something important for others, so I did. I often helped local kids and friends alike learn new tricks, and tried hard to keep them on a linear path and out of trouble. This was wholesome for me and kept me optimistic for the future. It gave me a sense of authority as well, because my opinion was respected and had backing. The backing I had was derived from blood, sweat and tears. Blood from the various scrapes and injuries I received day in and day out, and sweat due to the Rio Grande Valley’s humid landscape. Finally, tears from all the days of my youth and my inability to do a kickflip.