I just got home from my Tourism class. We talked about our future in the ski industry and it got me thinking.

I have so much potential. I’m a kid, but it’s time to buckle down and become more responsible. Big things can happen in the near future that can affect the rest of my life. One decision that has already done so is committing myself to the ski industry. Now, as most of you know, I am relatively new to the industry, as I’ve only been snowboarding for 4 years. But that doesn’t matter. With my life experiences, I know I can succeed.

This is to my family. This list would be very lengthy, so the people I want to thank the most are my Mom, Warren, Austin, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Grandmaman, and Nanny. You have all helped me so much. I know that no matter what happens, you’ll always be there for me as I am for you.

Kenny, Torrin, Baxter, Bearzy, and Caron…I can’t say enough about you guys. What started out as a group of friends getting together to raise money for a local skatepark, turned into so much more. It helped us become even better friends. I’ll never forget the times we had in Terrace. They were, without a doubt, the best times of my life.

Wayne. I learned so much from you in the little time we had together. You’re an amazing friend. You had to go through and overcome so much in your life. And I am so grateful for knowing you. You are truly an inspiration.

Kristian, I’ve known you for the longest time. We had some great times in the Sault. You brought me to my first punk show, which opened up so much to me. I wish you the best in Halifax and I’ll always be here for you if you ever need a friend.

Scot, Theo, Jay, Lee, and Jer, it’s more than music—you have been real life heroes to me. We’ve had some great times at shows in the Sault, in Sudz at that ridiculous 12-band show, in Terrace Bay, and in Thunder Bay. You are all good-hearted people and I won’t ever forget you. Oh, and by the way, I’ve already made up my mind and FFH will play at my wedding—a one-show reunion. FFH and sTs back again. You can only imagine the good times we’ll have.

To everybody that I met this past year in Thunder Bay, Scott, Storm, Matty K, Gardner, Tutt, Chris, Andy C, Ruberto, Mikey, Taryn, Chels, Mitch, Madi, Julia, Abby, Howie, Griff, D, Roy, Megan, Eric, Angie, and Ryan, we’ve shared some great times. I miss you all already. If any of you come out West, let me know and we’ll ride the mountains together.

I have to get back to music. It’s such a big part of my life and I would really like to thank Anthony, Mr. Gurney, Santos and Pare and Dru from Truth Explosion for all of the knowledge and amazing opportunities you have given me. I’ve learned so much from setting up concerts in Terrace Bay and Sault Ste Marie and from taking photographs for Truth Explosion Magazine. I’ve met some of my favourite bands and some great people doing this.

And to my new friends of the Ski Resort Operations and Management program, I feel like we’ve already grown into a big family these past few weeks. I’m grateful to be able to share this next year and a half with you all. And I can’t wait for the deep powder days.

No matter where we end up in the future, we will always have eachother. I’ll cherish our memories forever. We all have such great potential. Don’t let that go to waste. Stay true to yourself. Keep your family and friends close. Never forget. Keep your mind on track, show enthusiasm and stay positive and you will be rewarded as things start to unfold.