“Skiing is like having superpowers,” said Sophomore Seth Norton, a Timpview skier. Seth has been on the slopes for his whole life and often finds himself on the mountain as soon as school gets out. Norton stated that “when [he’s] on the mountain, [he] feels little to no stress.” For Seth, skiing is an escape and an opportunity for some relaxation.

Yet, if Seth is a superhero on skis, is schoolwork his kryptonite? Norton finds that he must work hard to satisfy both his passion for the slopes as well as his parents’ high academic standards. “I usually hit the slopes right after I get home from school,” Seth laments, “and I don’t come back until around 8:30 PM. I often find myself studying late at night or waking up early to do homework.”

Those early mornings are tough. However, Seth has found that the effort he puts into school may actually make him a better skier. Skiing re-energizes him, giving Seth a much needed break from school. “After a long day of skiing, I feel ready to tackle any homework assignment my teacher throws at me.” The discipline Seth has developed as a skier carries over to his school work. “Skiing has taught me determination,” Seth adds, “to not give up even when things don’t work out the first time.” Seth is maintaining an accomplishing 3.5 GPA so far this ski season.

The lessons Seth has learned from the slopes apply to the real world. For example, skiing has helped Seth navigate life’s mountain and withstand the many moguls that give him a bumpy ride on the way down. Determination, grit, and discipline are valuable attributes that will improve Seth’s life. Some things can only be taught on the slopes.