It was two weeks before my first regional figure skating competition. I was ecstatic to finally be a part of such a large event, I was now one of the big kids!

I had been working really hard, training with such intensity, that I could taste victory. But on September 19, 2011, all of that changed...forever.

I was in a lesson with my coach Amy, preparing to do my program. She told me that it was time, so I skated out to the middle of the ice, waiting patiently for the music to start. As soon as I heard the familiar melody of my music, I began to lift away into that separate world that people go to when they skate. I easily went through the motions: spinning, jumping, as well as performing the intricate footwork that my muscles had memorized so easily.

But I had not gotten far before I noticed something. I was approaching the spot on the ice in between two of the circles, painted there for the hockey players. I could see out of the corner of my eye, a girl, Elizabeth C to be exact, barreling towards me. I could tell that she was moving quickly, too quickly for my liking; but I made a split second decision to throw myself into the air, jumping as planned to avoid my coach screaming at me for stopping to let Elizabeth go by. The irony of the situation is that Elizabeth should have stopped for me... I did have the right of way. But it was too late and what happened next threw me into a whirlwind of events that I will never forget.

The second that my blade hit the ice, I knew I was in trouble. I could feel the pop of my ankle as Elizabeth’s blade hit my skin. I looked down slowly, fearing what I was about to see. Sure enough, I could see the gradual flow of blood as it seeped over the top of my boot. Had my boot been one inch higher, she would have missed cutting me, and a coach would not be carrying me off the ice and onto the benches directly outside of the rink.

The next few minutes were blurred by a rush of coaches, friends, doctors all trying to help. As soon as I got off the ice, my other coach Kristen by my side, I heard a voice. It said steadily, “I am a doctor. Allow me to help.” He was so sure of what he was doing, I felt at ease being in his hands. He got me cleaned up and ready for the hospital. Meanwhile, Kristen was on the phone with my dad, explaining what had happened. What should have been a ten minute drive to the rink took him six in the frantic panic of the unfortunate event.

Next, thing I knew, I was in the emergency room at Emerson Hospital, waiting to be stitched up, my dad at my side. He did his best to crack jokes and lighten the mood as I remembered that any chance of competing was a long shot now.

That night I found myself with a lacerated achilles. I was devastated. As if withdrawal from the competition wasn’t bad enough, I could not even touch the ice for eight months. The recovery period was tiresome, and any free time I'd had before the accident was diverted to physical therapy and many, many doctors appointments. Through it all, I stayed strong, embracing every challenge that was put in my place. But as time went on, I realized what a blessing this event actually was. I never knew that such a misfortune could change my life in such an incredible way.

I will always carry it in my heart, no matter where I go.

My family has supported me, no matter what I do.

I will carry them always, the way they have carried me too.

I am a skater, it has gotten me through

the toughest of times, injuries too.

I will carry it always, as a part of me.

No matter where I go, I will remember the things I learned I could do.

I am a student, who works very hard.

To make good grades, so I can go far.

I will carry determination to college, no matter where I go.

It is part of who I have become.

I am a compassionate person,

I care about those around me.

I pick them up when they fall, no matter what will happen,

much like my parents have done for me.

I will study in college, so I can become

the caring doctor I would love to be.

To help others around me would be a dream come true,

I will work to achieve that goal, no matter what I do.

I am a friend.

I have many people who care about me, as I care about them.

I will carry their friendships for the rest of my life,

no matter where I go, because they are part of me.

I am simple, living an average life.

It is the things that I carry that make me unique.

I will value them always, thanking them for

the things they have given me to help me go far.