Phase II

Okay, I passed the written! It felt pretty good to have come out of it with a passsing score considering I've been studying consistently for the past couple of years. That is only the first exam. Now, I wait until March 15th. On that day I will drive up to one of the many ski resorts in the area and ski for the day with an examiner who will asess my abilities as well as the ability to asess students movements and to clearly communicate lesson plans/drills to students. I must admit I was really nervous about the written. Of course now that it is over I am now nervous about the on-the-snow portion of the exam. I have been studying almost every chance I get, on and or off the mountain. Becoming a teacher is kinda scary especially one in such a skilled area. There is much room for how you teach snowsports, but the fundamentals must be solidified before one can move to the next phase.

Kat and I are up at our local mountain this week to get some much needed rest and to study. Tomorrow we'll be up on the slopes going over drills and honing my own fundamental skill set. Skiing was the last activity I ever participated in with my father about three days before we lost him back in 92'. My pops was a great skiier and tried to transfer what he knew to me. He and I skiied a lot together in my youth. I miss him terribly even though it's been about 25 years. You never get OVER it...you just get USED to it. I like to think he knows what is happening with my certification and is helping me along the way giving me the support that is lacking in my family. This of course has made me a stronger individual and I hope it comes out in my ability to instruct snowsports. Anyway, that's phase I of this journey, with one more uphill climb to attain my level I certification. Well, this was really just a quick update into my PSIA journey. I hope y'all are doing well and appreciate you taking the time to check out my blog.