A Unique Skier’s Summer
By: Mary Beth Hemphill, returning member of the OST, Osler Bluff Ski Club

My summer this year has been a little different than the “normal” skier’s off-season. First of all, I had the chance to go out to Whistler for a week of glacier skiing with the Osler Bluff program. This was a really fun week for all. It was really rewarding to watch the younger kids improve over the short time we had on snow and to pass on some of the lessons I’ve found useful. After that, I took a killer summer school course to have more free time during the year. I also spent many hours in the gym both at FITS and at BodySmith, the gym at which I’ve trained for the last 4 years. I’m really happy with my progress and feel stronger than ever, and prepared for the up-coming camp in New Zealand. Finally, the last bit of my summer included starting regular school....in August. 

Most people think it’s crazy to miss an entire month of summer to go to school.  It’s true that the balanced school year, which runs for 11 months instead of 10, has its disadvantages for the skiing schedule. I will have school work to do in New Zealand when no one else will be studying. It’s been a pretty hectic schedule. Between finishing exams mid-June, starting summer school early July, then beginning regular school in August, my brain hasn’t really had time to rest. 

As an athlete and a student, I think the balanced school program is worth the lack of down time. I’ve learned in the last three years that the carry-over between school years has really given me a jump start into either summer school or the next semester. From an athlete’s perspective, I’ve found the schedule is a little more forgiving during the busy winter, when I’m both competing and preparing for exams. Sure; I have to do a month’s extra work during a training camp but with the weeks off, we, the students, are given throughout the year, I have more time where I can just focus on skiing without worrying about tests or projects. 

I attend Bill Crothers Secondary and enjoy the schedule mostly because the little time I do spend at school through the year, I’m able feel like I’m part of the school’s identity, not just a ghost- student, popping in every now only to leave a few days later. At BCSS I’m surrounded by like-minded students and teachers who all love to be active and have goals just like me. The teachers are all very supportive and flexible towards my schedule and help me organize school so I can just focus on my athletics when it really matters. I’m also able to be a part of the school teams and clubs during times when I’m at school. 

Sure, there are some downsides to starting school in August. But I really feel being at Bill Crothers SS will bring me the most success possible in my academics, and especially in skiing. For me, it’s really worth the extra month of work to feel like I belong.