Katie Long

I have been a figure skater since the age of 8. This would include hard work, determination, commitment, and motivation, with early 5 am sessions before school and getting to school on time and weekends. Taking part in competitions involves hours of travelling, and once there, I would perform for members of the public and judges. I have also volunteered at my club's Skate UK classes early in my skating career, where I helped coach less experienced skaters to earn lower skating levels. This had developed to the point that I had been helping coach groups of 10 younger skaters. Doing skating for 10 years shows that I have a good work ethic because when I put my mind to something, it means I can go on and achieve it. At the start of my sixth year, I also volunteered in a primary school, which involved helping the teachers with class work, such as taking a group of 6 children out to help them with their reading or other class projects, such as their science experiments. I would do this every Monday for 6 weeks. When I was younger, I got to volunteer at Hayholms School, a school for young people with significant additional support needs. I got to volunteer here over 6 weeks. Doing this was so enjoyable and fulfilling, and seeing the excitement coming from the children after they managed to achieve something they had been working on lightened my day. Over these 6 weeks, I got the chance to see all of the children overcome some mental challenges, whether it was that they were too scared to do something or if it was something that they had to work on over a period to overcome. throughout my time in silvercity and creepy crawleys i would also ensure that i am energentic and wellcoming to each customer that comes in. I am also currently not in any type of education so i am commited to any hours of the week, although i will be going back to college in august

• My figure skating takes a lot of hard work, determination, commitment, and motivation, with early 5am sessions before school and getting to school on time and at the weekends. Taking part in competitions involves hours of travelling and once there performing for members of the public and judges. I find competing and stepping out of my comfort zone challenging, however after I completed my performance it helps me overcome shyness and build my confidence for future competitions.