Leaving the Comfort Zone

An article about a 43-year old science teacher in Iowa gives us a good portrait of a mature rider who enjoys the sport as a way to challenge herself.

Susan Maurice, who teaches at a middle school, says that her students can benefit from her example. Then again, so can the rest of us.

My message is this: If you don’t try something you are not proficient at, you will never begin to address the obstacles on the road to success. I did it – I was fearful and anxious, but still persisted in my lack of ability. I am hoping that when my students see my attempt, they will know that the success is in the trying what is not comfortable – and you can achieve if you believe.

She received a couple of medals in a statewide event. Granted, she was the only person in her age group in the halfpipe and slopestyle event, so a podium finish was guaranteed. And that which was once not comfortable is now something she enjoys and can take pride in. That’s an accomplishment.