For take your kids to work day I didn’t end up going with one of my parents or family members but instead with my former figure skating coach, Coach Mark. I went to the arena and followed him around for three skating sessions (approximately one hour each and 15 minutes between) and I got to watch him coaching different levels of skaters as well. I really enjoyed seeing his coaching techniques and how his methods of coaching changed between the different levels and ages. After having the chance to see what the job is really like I decided it would be a great job, I don’t think I would do it full time but I would definitely consider doing part time when I’m a few years older.
When I was on the ice it was a normal environment that I was extremely comfortable in and used to because I practically grew up on the ice, figure skating every day. When on the ice you can smell the fresh, frigid air that fills the arena (the locker rooms can have quite a ripe scent at times though). When looking around you see skaters jumping, spinning, and edging around on the surface of the ice, it is very captivating watching them perform different tricks, and as the levels of skating increase the more interesting it gets.
One thing that I love about this working environment is that it is surrounded by ice. I believe that I would wake up most mornings looking forward to stepping onto the ice and having the freedom to practice my footwork and skills in my free time. I also like how you are never alone seeing that there are always other coaches scattered around the rink that could help you or simply keep you company.
The one thing that would discourage me from waking up is knowing that my toes and my feet would freeze later in the day from standing in the cold with my skates laced up tight. One other part of being a skating coach that I would find difficult is the early morning skates that can start at 5 AM at the earliest, I am NOT a morning person, and I am not sure if I could handle waking up that early 5- 6 days a week.
I thought it was interesting seeing how Coach Mark taught the skaters and the different exercises he gave them to work on. He was always paying attention to all his skaters and could see what was wrong with their techniques and knew what he could do to help them become better at that specific skill/ element.