“It ain’t about how hard you hit: it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” International students at Michigan Tech probably had those immortal Rocky words resounding in their ears last Sunday. However, the hits were not coming from any person in a fighting bout, but were the mighty falls they had during their first lessons in snowboarding and skiing.
On Jan. 29, International Programs and Services organized International Ski Day. It was a perfect opportunity for international students to try taming the slopes of Mont Ripley, especially those who were seeing snow for the first time in Houghton. They had even arranged for classes for both snowboarders and skiers, since most of them were here for the first time.
The students were warmly welcomed by IPS at Mont Ripley and then briefed on general safety by the instructors. Soon, the students were on their boards and skis for the first time as the instructors gave them lessons in turning and maneuvering through the slopes. The excitement was pretty visible among the students.
It all seemed easy as most of them could master the simplest turns soon, but the real test awaited them when they hit the real track. In no time at all most students were seen tumbling down the slopes, especially the snowboarders.
“Snowboarding is painfully exciting or excitingly painful. The adrenaline mixed with slight fear while gliding downhill is something that makes it so much fun’, said Prince Lakhani, an international graduate student majoring in mechanical engineering. “Learning those continuous J-turns might take a while though, but definitely I am coming back again for that.”
Electrical engineering graduate student Neeraj Deshpande had better luck on the slopes.
“At first, using two slippery planks of wood to glide down a snowy mountain slope seemed like an intimidating task. However, once I tried it, I felt like I was flying down the mountain!” said Deshpande. “The ski boots were a little heavy and I wasn’t able to move my foot properly. Hence, moving my feet to maneuver the skis was difficult at first. Soon, I got a hang of it. Probably I should thank my roller-skating classes, due to which I was able to balance well later. I had a wonderful time and I absolutely can’t wait to go back and ski again!”
Although most students may have left Mont Ripley with a couple of bruises, it was impossible to miss the enthusiasm and excitement that was seen on the faces of all the students. Also, most students will agree that suddenly, winters are not so gloomy after all, as there is so much to learn apart from coursework.
