I ski with a pretty random group of kids, which has an eclectic mix of styles and skills, so I'm used to helping kids out and complimenting. This season, however, I think I've already improved alot, and got a new jacket and pants, and I feel like its going to my head a little. It sucks, but at least I realize I put on a little bit of a show when I'm in the park.
On the flip side, I'm not normally the most outgoing person, but when I'm on the mountain, I feel like I belong, whether I'm in the park or shredding the rest of the mountain. This gives me more confidence too. I think the most important thing is to remember that we all started off in the same place, and to keep that in mind when your hatin', whether it's on the internet or on the hill.
Plus, while it's growing, the newschool community is still small enough that we need to stick together.