I started roller skating during covid in April 2020.  Just after my grandfather passed away, and after I was broken up with, I wound up at home, where I grew up.

One day, my brother and I found my roller skates in the garage. I put them on, and somehow, they still fit. They were pretty tight, but they functioned. I have figure skated since I was 3, and the movements are basically the same. This helped a lot, and still continues to serve me well. I went off, down the street, and learned my first movements. Over time I would buy two different types of skates, become competent and confident in myself, and in my skating skills. I met my best friends through roller skating, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

1. It gave me space. During covid when I was stuck at home, with nothing to do, I was permitted to leave the house to exercise, such as walks, or roller skating. This gave me space form my family when we were all stuck
   at home. It’s also given me space from roommates or from my physical space in a
   time where we couldn’t.

2. It gave me exercise! Roller skating has been good for my physical body (minus the
   bruises), its good for the lungs and keep my skating muscles strong for the winter
   when I go back to figure skating. It’s helped me improve and keep my stamina up
   too!

3. It made me friends! I met my friends online through a local roller skating group!
   We started out by just skating, then we went to the skate park then 2 years later
   we meet as much as we can! We have a gift exchange each year, and I always cook
   for them when I am home!

4. It gave me goals and ambitions, and something to work on and improve! I spent hours in parking lots skating, working on stopping, turning, balance, or strength. I was proud of myself after each time I succeeded at something I’d been working on.