Most important choice in my life so far? help me plz

J

joy_en

New member
Hello everyone, I need your help, I’m in real trouble.

I’m almost 17 and I don’t know whether to keep doing my actual high school (done 3 out of 5 years) or move to the mountains alone (2.30h from my home by car) and finish school there in a college for skiers and winter athletes.

I’m very happy about my actual private school (I’m a very studious) and I’m pretty sure the college in the mountains won’t offer an equal education.

On the other hand skiing is life for me*

*even if it doesn’t always makes me the happiest cause it’s very challenging for my mind (I’ve skied in park only 5 days in my life, since I started freestyle this season -perfect season to start a new sport- and I’ve done 180,360, sw 180 almost, pretzel 2) I’m writing the trick cause happened I lost motivation, thinking I’m not good enough for my goals, I’m too young, and I won’t make it to comps ... But then I remember I’ve just started and, moreover, I’m a girl so, from what I’ve understood, it’s easier to get noticed (also trick in comps are less difficult).

This season I suffered a lot for not being able to ski due to covid and I want to avoid it next year.

In addition, if on the one hand I think about my future/studying and work, on the other hand I may regret my choice of staying at home, staying into my comfort zone.

Please, help me buddies, my head is very heavy these days.
 
14255369:Ralphamus said:
Getting a GED is cooler than getting a KFED. Stay in school.
Click to expand...

You are fucking right, but stomping kfed makes my soul happy.

And the I will continue school up there; it’s just not private

**This post was edited on Mar 8th 2021 at 3:24:37pm
 
You can go to uni any time you want. I have classmates in their 40s. You can also learn pretty much whatever you want via the internet if you spend enough time researching it. I'd say pursue skiing and don't forget to continue learning academic things on your own. Without a good school, a well diciplined student can still have a good education.
 
14255380:ReturnToMonkey said:
A good example is Sarah Hoeflin or whatever. Didn't she go to med school and still ski at an xgames level?
Click to expand...

Do you think my level is ok?

sometimes when I heard big names i think they were good from day one on the slopes, and I won’t make it to the next level since I’m already 16
 
Sarah Hoefflin said she started freeskiing in uni, if I remember correctly so you’re not behind

14255384:joy_en said:
Do you think my level is ok?

sometimes when I heard big names i think they were good from day one on the slopes, and I won’t make it to the next level since I’m already 16
Click to expand...
 
Whatever you do, make sure to put your heart in it. If you mope through HS wishing you were skiing, pay out of state tuition to ski occasionally and major in art-history and get a 2.0, you are just gonna be in-debt and worse at skiing than if you hadn't bothered with school at all. It's hard to recommend a route for you, but whatever you do just try hard. There will be a ton of ups and downs along the way, but putting forth effort you are proud of is the way to go.
 
14255390:ericforman said:
Whatever you do, make sure to put your heart in it. If you mope through HS wishing you were skiing, pay out of state tuition to ski occasionally and major in art-history and get a 2.0, you are just gonna be in-debt and worse at skiing than if you hadn't bothered with school at all. It's hard to recommend a route for you, but whatever you do just try hard. There will be a ton of ups and downs along the way, but putting forth effort you are proud of is the way to go.
Click to expand...

This will help man ???
 
Man this thread making me feel like skierman.

OP do whatever you want. It sounds like you have a decent financial safety net from your fam.
 
14255384:joy_en said:
Do you think my level is ok?

sometimes when I heard big names i think they were good from day one on the slopes, and I won’t make it to the next level since I’m already 16
Click to expand...

I mean every pro athlete is definitely naturally athletic and coordinated, but they still have to be refined and developed. It sounds like you won't have a problem with that stuff if you can already do 3s and ski switch. The most important thing is passion and motivation, so if you really love skiing as much as you do, you'll have no problems.
 
14255393:Biffbarf said:
Man this thread making me feel like skierman.

OP do whatever you want. It sounds like you have a decent financial safety net from your fam.
Click to expand...

I get a scolarship to help them in the past years, but my parents make some sacrifices to make me happy.

I’ve to think a lot about this choice also because I don’t want to wast money or time
 
Sure thing. I personally went to school and tried hard and now can ski 30-50 days a year but I’m a trash park skier and too old to get good. Would I have done it differently? No way of knowing unless I could go back in time and try.

14255391:joy_en said:
This will help man ???
Click to expand...
 
Can you finish high school and then go to a college near skiing? Go to a uni and crush books but you will still have time to ski, and if youre in the mountains, you will be around people who ski so you can be in that community
 
Also start lifting if you don't already.

In women's skiing it's not if but when for a blown knee of some sort. The stronger you are the better off you'll be.
 
When I was considering colleges, I chose a better ranking one in the midwest over one that was closer to mountains (CU-Boulder). That meant I didn't get to ski as much as I'd have liked. I did this to invest in the future payoff. In my mind, sacrificing now to get a better education would provide me with more opportunities to ski in the future. By the time I graduated from university, the school I went to ended up ranking worse; they had effectively switched rankings. Years later, I made a change in my life and moved out to Boulder to follow my passions and catch up on lost time in the mountains. I eventually made my way to the outdoor industry and now ski / climb a ton.

It's hard to know if I would have ended up where I am now if I didn't take this circuitous path. It's hard to say that one choice is right or wrong. Would the other path have gotten me there sooner? I certainly would have been in more debt going to CU out of state, which may have made me take a higher paying job to work off the lifestyle tax from college, which could bring me farther away from the mountains.

Not to get too deep, but it helps to think about what the constant is in your life. For me it was the mountains. Stay true to that and you'll find the way.
 
You're situation sounds a bit different from traditional American school, Are you in Europe or something? Why is it a 5 year program?

Here's two cents from a final semester senior at MSU that went to a college prep school: If you really love school and studying stay at the private school. I went from a top tier highschool to a run of the mill state school and have had a hell time of school because my professors are weak in their experience and teaching. Coming from a school with great teachers and an academic environment without a ceiling, a state school that relies heavily on online programs has not been nearly as intriguing as I'd thought.

Although it seems your situation is a bit different because you are talking about high school. High school isn't very important, but if your grades are going to be shit because you're at an academy where sports are the top priority, college is going to be hard. I am definitely able to slack off more than my peers because high school was harder than college.
 
14255451:SkiingNinja said:
When I was considering colleges, I chose a better ranking one in the midwest over one that was closer to mountains (CU-Boulder). That meant I didn't get to ski as much as I'd have liked. I did this to invest in the future payoff. In my mind, sacrificing now to get a better education would provide me with more opportunities to ski in the future. By the time I graduated from university, the school I went to ended up ranking worse; they had effectively switched rankings. Years later, I made a change in my life and moved out to Boulder to follow my passions and catch up on lost time in the mountains. I eventually made my way to the outdoor industry and now ski / climb a ton.

It's hard to know if I would have ended up where I am now if I didn't take this circuitous path. It's hard to say that one choice is right or wrong. Would the other path have gotten me there sooner? I certainly would have been in more debt going to CU out of state, which may have made me take a higher paying job to work off the lifestyle tax from college, which could bring me farther away from the mountains.

Not to get too deep, but it helps to think about what the constant is in your life. For me it was the mountains. Stay true to that and you'll find the way.
Click to expand...

Damn I'm kinda at a point like that. The career I want to pursue doesn't have any locations near mountains (aviation kinda needs large flat areas) but I could never see myself living somewhere without easy access to them. It's a tough decision that I dread to make.
 
Here’s a couple thoughts from a current 16 year old living about an hour and 30-45 mins away from the mountains in Colorado. (sophomore in high school)

I was actually in a similar position as you this past late summer and fall. With covid flooding the U.S, I knew that my local public high school was going to be a train wreck the following year as I would be a sophomore. My parents know that I am a driven student so they decided to let me pursue skiing even more by letting me do an online school so I could ski on my own schedule and still have a solid education. The only downside of this was missing out on 2 AP classes.

So far, it has been an amazing experience. It is also low risk as if I fully moved into the mountains and got hurt, then most of it would’ve been for nothing. The thing about full on committing and moving is probably not the smartest decision this early in life. If you truly love it, you’ll wake up however early you need to get to the mountains.

On another note, I’ve broken ribs and almost torn a muscle in my leg on what I thought were mellow days. There’s lots of unexpected things in skiing and that can destroy a decision as big as yours.

Online school should seriously be an option for you since you are 17. You can get a great education on your own schedule and then make your decision two years later and move to a college with mountains around them. I’m nearly 2 hours away from the mountains and I make it work.

Choosing this for me has been an awesome experience, as I can get a good education and ski. Just make sure it’s not one or the other.

I just started skiing park last year and know I want to ski my entire life. But I’m also doing what I need to with certain classes and managing money so I know I have the resources to be financially well off in college and ski at the same time. If you want some more deeper info on this and what school I did, shoot me a message.

Bottom line: Don’t make this choice quite yet and look and some more options that will give you your best future possible.
 
Damn that’s a mature 16 year old. Get good grades, live near skiing, lap the park...ain’t a bad life.

14255488:d4colorado said:
Here’s a couple thoughts from a current 16 year old living about an hour and 30-45 mins away from the mountains in Colorado. (sophomore in high school)

I was actually in a similar position as you this past late summer and fall. With covid flooding the U.S, I knew that my local public high school was going to be a train wreck the following year as I would be a sophomore. My parents know that I am a driven student so they decided to let me pursue skiing even more by letting me do an online school so I could ski on my own schedule and still have a solid education. The only downside of this was missing out on 2 AP classes.

So far, it has been an amazing experience. It is also low risk as if I fully moved into the mountains and got hurt, then most of it would’ve been for nothing. The thing about full on committing and moving is probably not the smartest decision this early in life. If you truly love it, you’ll wake up however early you need to get to the mountains.

On another note, I’ve broken ribs and almost torn a muscle in my leg on what I thought were mellow days. There’s lots of unexpected things in skiing and that can destroy a decision as big as yours.

Online school should seriously be an option for you since you are 17. You can get a great education on your own schedule and then make your decision two years later and move to a college with mountains around them. I’m nearly 2 hours away from the mountains and I make it work.

Choosing this for me has been an awesome experience, as I can get a good education and ski. Just make sure it’s not one or the other.

I just started skiing park last year and know I want to ski my entire life. But I’m also doing what I need to with certain classes and managing money so I know I have the resources to be financially well off in college and ski at the same time. If you want some more deeper info on this and what school I did, shoot me a message.

Bottom line: Don’t make this choice quite yet and look and some more options that will give you your best future possible.
Click to expand...
 
14255488:d4colorado said:
Here’s a couple thoughts from a current 16 year old living about an hour and 30-45 mins away from the mountains in Colorado. (sophomore in high school)

I was actually in a similar position as you this past late summer and fall. With covid flooding the U.S, I knew that my local public high school was going to be a train wreck the following year as I would be a sophomore. My parents know that I am a driven student so they decided to let me pursue skiing even more by letting me do an online school so I could ski on my own schedule and still have a solid education. The only downside of this was missing out on 2 AP classes.

So far, it has been an amazing experience. It is also low risk as if I fully moved into the mountains and got hurt, then most of it would’ve been for nothing. The thing about full on committing and moving is probably not the smartest decision this early in life. If you truly love it, you’ll wake up however early you need to get to the mountains.

On another note, I’ve broken ribs and almost torn a muscle in my leg on what I thought were mellow days. There’s lots of unexpected things in skiing and that can destroy a decision as big as yours.

Online school should seriously be an option for you since you are 17. You can get a great education on your own schedule and then make your decision two years later and move to a college with mountains around them. I’m nearly 2 hours away from the mountains and I make it work.

Choosing this for me has been an awesome experience, as I can get a good education and ski. Just make sure it’s not one or the other.

I just started skiing park last year and know I want to ski my entire life. But I’m also doing what I need to with certain classes and managing money so I know I have the resources to be financially well off in college and ski at the same time. If you want some more deeper info on this and what school I did, shoot me a message.

Bottom line: Don’t make this choice quite yet and look and some more options that will give you your best future possible.
Click to expand...

That's some solid advice!

Also for all you who want to keep taking school seriously, wear a helmet!! One thing I have to deal with now that I've had a few concussions is that I have a much harder time keeping track of multiple numbers or facts in my head and other things that just makes me have to work harder. Keep your brain safe and healthy!
 
topic:joy_en said:
Hello everyone, I need your help, I’m in real trouble.

I’m almost 17 and I don’t know whether to keep doing my actual high school (done 3 out of 5 years) or move to the mountains alone (2.30h from my home by car) and finish school there in a college for skiers and winter athletes.

I’m very happy about my actual private school (I’m a very studious) and I’m pretty sure the college in the mountains won’t offer an equal education.

On the other hand skiing is life for me*

*even if it doesn’t always makes me the happiest cause it’s very challenging for my mind (I’ve skied in park only 5 days in my life, since I started freestyle this season -perfect season to start a new sport- and I’ve done 180,360, sw 180 almost, pretzel 2) I’m writing the trick cause happened I lost motivation, thinking I’m not good enough for my goals, I’m too young, and I won’t make it to comps ... But then I remember I’ve just started and, moreover, I’m a girl so, from what I’ve understood, it’s easier to get noticed (also trick in comps are less difficult).

This season I suffered a lot for not being able to ski due to covid and I want to avoid it next year.

In addition, if on the one hand I think about my future/studying and work, on the other hand I may regret my choice of staying at home, staying into my comfort zone.

Please, help me buddies, my head is very heavy these days.
Click to expand...

Hard to answer but think about the pleasure now or pleasure in the future maybe with less stress
 
14255582:tutipups said:
Hard to answer but think about the pleasure now or pleasure in the future maybe with less stress
Click to expand...

That and you also don't know what you don't know. I love skiing but I also found I love computers and coding and riding bikes, so if you don't give yourself opportunity to have experiences outside of skiing you may be missing out on other life experiences - all while still living and appreciating skiing still.
 
14255434:katrina said:
I skied a ton in college so. Use the last year's of HS and set yourself up for success.
Click to expand...

14255441:katrina said:
Also start lifting if you don't already.

In women's skiing it's not if but when for a blown knee of some sort. The stronger you are the better off you'll be.
Click to expand...

14255586:katrina said:
That and you also don't know what you don't know. I love skiing but I also found I love computers and coding and riding bikes, so if you don't give yourself opportunity to have experiences outside of skiing you may be missing out on other life experiences - all while still living and appreciating skiing still.
Click to expand...

This is all the advice you really need
 
14255471:snowmosexual said:
You're situation sounds a bit different from traditional American school, Are you in Europe or something? Why is it a 5 year program?

Here's two cents from a final semester senior at MSU that went to a college prep school: If you really love school and studying stay at the private school. I went from a top tier highschool to a run of the mill state school and have had a hell time of school because my professors are weak in their experience and teaching. Coming from a school with great teachers and an academic environment without a ceiling, a state school that relies heavily on online programs has not been nearly as intriguing as I'd thought.

Although it seems your situation is a bit different because you are talking about high school. High school isn't very important, but if your grades are going to be shit because you're at an academy where sports are the top priority, college is going to be hard. I am definitely able to slack off more than my peers because high school was harder than college.
Click to expand...

Yep I’m in Europe and high school is 5 years long. I have very very good grades now, but I think that, knowing me and my motivation, if I’ll have the opportunity to ski almost every day, I would also give everything to the school; also to be thankful to my parents and my coach (the coach of the ski high school is already one of the coaches of mine, but I don’t have the opportunity to see him very often).

it will surely be harder than now... but it’s for skiing
 
14255474:ReturnToMonkey said:
Damn I'm kinda at a point like that. The career I want to pursue doesn't have any locations near mountains (aviation kinda needs large flat areas) but I could never see myself living somewhere without easy access to them. It's a tough decision that I dread to make.
Click to expand...

Are you older than me? You are talking about career.

maybe my choice about “changing high school “ it’s even easier
 
14255582:tutipups said:
Hard to answer but think about the pleasure now or pleasure in the future maybe with less stress
Click to expand...

Excuse me, but what do you mean with pleasure in this case?

(english isn’t my first language, I’m sorry)
 
14255430:AndrewGravesSV said:
Can you finish high school and then go to a college near skiing? Go to a uni and crush books but you will still have time to ski, and if youre in the mountains, you will be around people who ski so you can be in that community
Click to expand...

Yes but the point is that I wouldn’t settle for being a good adult female skier. My goal is to become as good as possible, and maybe become a member of the national team. I’ve started freeski at 16 years old, now... I’m already late, should I wait until college/university and waste more time?
 
It sounds like by “pleasure”, they are saying have fun now, or go to college and set yourself up to be able to have fun for the rest of your life, they are implying that if you don’t go to college you won’t be able to support yourself, which makes sense, college is a great way into the workplace, but there are those who didn’t graduate college who will pay more in taxes than ten average people have in income so there are ways, GO FOR IT, don’t wanna spend your life wondering what if....what if I went to college and became.... what if I was good enough to be a world class skier...

Set your sights high, do both, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise !!

Sounds like you really wanna ski, I say do it, but absolutely do not slack on your schooling, better hustle and jib them books as much as you shred

14255736:joy_en said:
Excuse me, but what do you mean with pleasure in this case?

(english isn’t my first language, I’m sorry)
Click to expand...
 
As others have mentioned, I’d highly recommend finishing high school and getting your diploma before considering taking time away from school. It sounds like you’re a motivated student with good grades, so you should have no trouble finding the balancing point between skiing a ton and getting decent grades. I’m also not sure how things go in Europe, but in the US it’s a lot harder to get good jobs without a high school diploma, so if you fall out of love with skiing (for whatever reason) you will still be able to support yourself with a good career.

Also, as a junior in college who has had many friends take gap years during college, it’s very easy to step aside on your studies or hold off on your degree in university. I’m taking 2 quarters off to live in Salt Lake and do some backpacking in Arizona, it’s definitely easier to find time when my schedule is fit into 3-month chunks.

Your situation is quite different from mine, but I’d say stick out high school while skiing a ton (and get good grades to keep your options open for university) and then maybe take time off to pursue skiing more heavily. Having options is always nice! Cheers
 
14255780:brownetown said:
As others have mentioned, I’d highly recommend finishing high school and getting your diploma before considering taking time away from school. It sounds like you’re a motivated student with good grades, so you should have no trouble finding the balancing point between skiing a ton and getting decent grades. I’m also not sure how things go in Europe, but in the US it’s a lot harder to get good jobs without a high school diploma, so if you fall out of love with skiing (for whatever reason) you will still be able to support yourself with a good career.

Also, as a junior in college who has had many friends take gap years during college, it’s very easy to step aside on your studies or hold off on your degree in university. I’m taking 2 quarters off to live in Salt Lake and do some backpacking in Arizona, it’s definitely easier to find time when my schedule is fit into 3-month chunks.

Your situation is quite different from mine, but I’d say stick out high school while skiing a ton (and get good grades to keep your options open for university) and then maybe take time off to pursue skiing more heavily. Having options is always nice! Cheers
Click to expand...

Is in your opinion finishing high school in the mountains (so skiing three afternoon during the week plus studying) well balanced? Are there enough “choices” if I go for that?
 
14255739:joy_en said:
Yes but the point is that I wouldn’t settle for being a good adult female skier. My goal is to become as good as possible, and maybe become a member of the national team. I’ve started freeski at 16 years old, now... I’m already late, should I wait until college/university and waste more time?
Click to expand...

A community of really good skiers around you will help you improve fast. Tons of pros take a light courseload in college but still go to comps and ski their asses off. The reality is that not many pro skiers can make a living off skiing alone and it can open a lot of doors when you have a degree. If you have a burning desire to ski as much as you can now then still finish highschool but take a gap year or two before starting college to see just how good you can get/ if you can go pro
 
I vote for the ski high school thing. You will never get another chance to find out if you could have made it. If you want to find out if you can make the national team or whatever then you should move to the ski area now and not wait.

Don’t let people wig you out too much about injuries either, sure lots of people on here have injuries from skiing but overall most injuries don’t happen on the ski hill. For example at your age a higher percentage of ACL tears happen from stuff like soccer and basketball

Seems like doing the ski high school will overall help your resume and college applications in the the future. Even if your classes are not as rigorous you will have had a more unique experience that will help you stand out
 
Sometimes having an interesting story (life) is actually what will help you get into the college you want in the future.

I'm a bit confused about your choices though. So your choice is stay in current HS and ski or go to different HS/college and ski?

Also around here kids seem to graduate from HS in 2.5 to 3 years if they want (California). So maybe explore options for that which also adds to the impressive resume. No college is going to give you grief for graduating HS quicker.

Again around here just to give you some stories, we've had neighbors with kids in HS fully signed to a full athletic scholarship mid year through sophomore year. It is a bit 'strange' as I didn't grow up here and where I came from was a lot more structured and that was unheard of but it happens here.

Regardless I don't think it has to be an either or. Really focusing on doing some kind of distance HS learning and getting done early can also help focus your training as you will be highly motivated to be outside and not doing school work. That would be my vote.

I've had a few crossroads like this myself that really required my life outlook to totally changebut I was always interested in more than just skiing and ran out of time to make the go for it decision. I don't think as many choices require this total make or break your future life outlook anymore with the tech and distance learning these days.

Good luck and involve your parents with your plans if you have a good relationship with them.
 
Rereading your original post, it might also make sense for you to move to the mountains and graduate highschool there while being able to ski! High school is pretty easy and can allow you to be flexible so if you can do it in the mountains and still graduate with your parents being chill about it then follow your heart
 
14255884:AndrewGravesSV said:
Rereading your original post, it might also make sense for you to move to the mountains and graduate highschool there while being able to ski! High school is pretty easy and can allow you to be flexible so if you can do it in the mountains and still graduate with your parents being chill about it then follow your heart
Click to expand...

Yesss! Costs of the actual private HS and of the ski-HS plus apartment plus skipass and coaching... are almost the same
 
14255912:ColoradoDogfart said:
Hell yeah! I highly recommend this diet
Click to expand...

Lol it's inevitable, bunch of degens those freestyle snowboard skiers

**This post was edited on Mar 9th 2021 at 4:56:29pm
 
Since I'm old I'll chip in here. Going to a good school where you get a top quality education will give you more choices in the future. One of those choices might turn out to be to be a ski-bum. Another choice might be to continue in higher quality education, make decent money and be a heli-ski bum. Keep as many doors open for yourself as you can. Also your priorities might change. You might discover surfing and choose to live in Indo. Who knows?
 
14256174:WestieBogan said:
Since I'm old I'll chip in here. Going to a good school where you get a top quality education will give you more choices in the future. One of those choices might turn out to be to be a ski-bum. Another choice might be to continue in higher quality education, make decent money and be a heli-ski bum. Keep as many doors open for yourself as you can. Also your priorities might change. You might discover surfing and choose to live in Indo. Who knows?
Click to expand...

Heli ski bum.

Mind = blown, love it
 
14256174:WestieBogan said:
Since I'm old I'll chip in here. Going to a good school where you get a top quality education will give you more choices in the future. One of those choices might turn out to be to be a ski-bum. Another choice might be to continue in higher quality education, make decent money and be a heli-ski bum. Keep as many doors open for yourself as you can. Also your priorities might change. You might discover surfing and choose to live in Indo. Who knows?
Click to expand...

Idk I feel like high school doesn't matter that much. If you're using school as an opportunity to open doors, college is wayyy better. OP wants to pursue being a legit pro which means she needs to start sooner rather than later in the up and coming generation of women freestyle skiers.
 
14256198:ReturnToMonkey said:
Idk I feel like high school doesn't matter that much. If you're using school as an opportunity to open doors, college is wayyy better. OP wants to pursue being a legit pro which means she needs to start sooner rather than later in the up and coming generation of women freestyle skiers.
Click to expand...

Nah if you can avoid a bad injury you can make it in women's skiing after high school. Still lots of room for growth in many different aspects of women's skiing, it's not like men's where you basically need to be in it from childhood these days.
 
14255739:joy_en said:
Yes but the point is that I wouldn’t settle for being a good adult female skier. My goal is to become as good as possible, and maybe become a member of the national team. I’ve started freeski at 16 years old, now... I’m already late, should I wait until college/university and waste more time?
Click to expand...

Ahh got you this I super helpful. Since it seems like you want to be a legit pro/comp skier being in a environment when you can get consistent good coaching and have people around you to push yourself and compete with while still getting a good education seems like the move to me. But like others have said you can still go pro if you start later but if you do you’d have to be extra talented to progress very quickly. Since you’re not jeopardizing getting an education while pursuing your dreams I’d say make the move. Plus at least in America something like this on your college applications would help a lot. I don’t know how the application process is in Europe though. But above all you are young and need to do some deep introspection on what you want and don’t limit yourself to other opportunities for the sake of skiing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top