For a lot of students, the weight of AP classes, homework, building up a college resume and much more creates a constant buzz of anxiety. For freshman Angel Holgado, that anxiety is calmed by one hobby: skateboarding.
Holgado first learned the basics from her brother, and then ollies, kickflips and tic-tacs followed.
“My brother went to Boy Scouts one day and came back knowing how to skateboard and therefore taught me how to skateboard,” Holgado said. “I first started with a Walmart board before I got my first good board, and I named her ‘April’ because I got her in April.”
After she learned it in 2019, her love for skateboarding has only grown more and more.
“I like [skateboarding] because I can listen to music and cruise around almost anywhere,” Holgado said. “It’s also like a party trick, you know? Just bring it out at random times.”
Similarly to the roads she rides on, 2024 seemed to be a rather unlucky year for Holdago and her boards.
“In the span of like a year, I broke four boards because I was really adamant that year about getting better at skateboarding, and I did,” Holgado said.
After skating for so long, she’s experienced many crashes but still loves it and refuses to quit her hobby.
“It is exhilarating,” Holgado said. “I’ve almost broken so many things, and along with so many bandages [and] clothes ruined with blood, but it’s very fun and worth the effort if you’re willing to do it.”
