Why do I skate? Two summers ago I was walking to my car after a long class, feeling drained and discouraged. Then I saw someone skating in one of the campus parking lots and I just stopped and stared because it’s been 15 years since I’ve even seen roller skates. I stopped and stood there watching him skate and I could feel his amazing energy radiating from across the whole campus. I was in a place where I felt trapped in my studies and was also going through a break up at that time. As a young, queer, black woman I was overwhelmed by the political climate and was angry at the unfair truth that I need to constantly worry about race, homophobia and being feishized in my dating life. Skating was an escape from all of those unfair parts of my life and identities I was handed. 

Seeing him roller skate that day was so inspiring in that moment that I teared up and decided right then that I was going to learn, because I want to feel free like that. A few years later I’ve graduated with my masters and I attribute much of my school motivation to roller skating as a way to cope with the stress that came with studying and life itself. Skating makes me feel powerful, confident and free. I didn’t start skating to make new friends, but that was an amazing perk. Two years ago I was lonely and didn’t have many close friends who were in my proximity. I could write an essay on the many other reasons why I skate, but the stranger I saw across my campus… he is the main inspiration.

I made the name, “Wheel Your Own Way” because I like doing things my way. When I started skating so many people had their opinions and explanations on how I can be better. Whether well-intentioned or not, I prefer not to be put into any boxes or told what to do while I’m on my roller skates, as well as in life! Skate how you wanna skate and live how you wanna live. Do what you want and have fun because life is short. We can learn from each other without falling into the trap of following a methods, idea or opinion without question simply because someone tells us that it is the “correct” way to go about it 💥💥💥I’m so excited to keep learning and growing as a skater and I hope to make some connections on here!!