Columnist
Addison Dulaney
Aspiring Journalist…
I get up at 6:00 AM every day for six months of the year so I can be on the snow on my racing skis by 8:00 AM for training with the Vail Ski Club in Colorado. We train all morning and then go to school from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. I live with a host family for these six months and then go home to Colorado Springs. I was honored to be selected to race for FIS Elite, the International Skiing Federation’s most competitive ski team in Colorado. This year I qualified for Nationals and took 10th place in my age group in slalom in a field of about 65 girls from all over the country. I loved being on the podium, a horse saddle, after taking first place in slalom in a big race in Steamboat Springs.
Sometimes keeping up with my 11th grade academic schedule, races, and training on and off the snow seems grueling, but I love skiing, so it is all worth it. I started skiing when I was three and never stopped. The friendships made and the camaraderie of skiers is priceless. My ski team is like family. In summer training camps in New Zealand, South America, and Austria, I learned about other cultures and traditions. I was privileged to volunteer to assist with World Cup Athletes when they raced in Beaver Creek Colorado. I realize how fortunate and privileged I am to be able to compete around the country in my favorite activity.
The balance of competition, training, and academics can be tough: an exam in AP Bio., a paper due in Creative Writing, and a race all happening at once. Whew! But fortunately, I love the challenge I face, especially in my favorite classes, Creative Writing, Math, and last year, Chemistry. Next to skiing, writing is my other passion. (Unless I count sipping a matcha green tea latte with friends after a ski race!) I like all kinds of writing, poetry, essays, and presenting the facts in reporting. I dream that one day I will be a journalist. I want to go to an outstanding liberal arts and science college, and of course, be on the school’s ski team.
I know that getting into college has become even more competitive than ever, just having witnessed my brother go through the process. I feel more prepared with what I will face having lived through his experience with him. I have a variety of things going for me that will help me on that path, but these activities are also things I like to do. They involve helping others, like being a member of the National Honor Society, a member of Emerging Leaders, Student-to-Student, and Sources of Strength, all school organizations that help new students, and students who are struggling either with school, friends, or mental health.
In the fall, when I am back in Colorado Springs, I am on my school’s varsity Cross-Country Team and in the spring on the varsity Track Team. These are other places where I enjoy, not only the sport, but also the camaraderie and friendship of other team members.
Outside of school I am active in Inside Out Youth Services that advocates for LGBTQ+ youth to have a safe space. I especially enjoyed helping organize the Queer Prom and the Pride Festival. In addition, in the summer I volunteer for Citizen’s Project, a group that advocates for educating and empowering the community to embrace all members of the community regardless of race, economic status, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. I think it is important in our world to promote equity, inclusion, and justice for everyone.
One last thing, I have the best boyfriend a girl could have. Girls, my advice is, pick someone such that you adore each other equally!
Blogs, Poems & More…
I have created the following blogs, poems, and essays, all dealing with aspects of my family life, friendships, school, athletics, and more.
