College application season is one of the most stressful times in high school. Everyone warns you that it will be intense, and they’re not wrong. You are expected to juggle classes, extracurriculars, responsibilities, and somehow distill your entire personality, achievements, and dreams into a series of essays, forms, and decisions. It’s overwhelming. But in the […]
Comparison is out, Self-Improvement is in, Agreed?
Today, amid the whirlwind of college applications, I fell into the familiar trap that ensnares so many of us: diving into the dizzying world of YouTube videos titled, “How I Got Into Stanford!” or “My Stats That Got Me Into All the Ivies.” While these videos might offer a glimmer of guidance for some students, […]
The Beautiful Atmosphere of Japan: Skating, Snowball Fights, and Teammate Bonds
From the bustling atmosphere of the rink to the serene nature of Hachinohe, Japan’s rich cultural heritage gave me time to immerse myself in its timeless traditions. One of my most memorable adventures was the day we visited a local temple, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the urban hustle and bustle. We learned about the […]
My Special Time at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympics
With the Special Olympics coming to an end, I want to reflect on what I have learned and the memories I have made throughout this wonderful experience. I met so many new people and had so many amazing and unique experiences in Korea that will last a lifetime. To begin, life in the village was […]
My 2023: Out With the Old, in With the New
2023 was a special year for me. it was the year I made my first Longtrack Junior World Team, the year I qualified for the 2024 Gangwon Youth Olympics, and the year I experienced my first true burnout. reflecting on everything that has happened this year, I realized I would change a thing. Every experience […]
Casey Chronicles: How life at Camp Changed me for the Better
Last week, I was a counselor for a week at a sleepaway camp. This was not your ordinary summer camp; it was a camp for kids ages 6-17 who faced all sorts of challenges, whether they were on the spectrum, paralyzed from the waist down, or had cerebral palsy. Some children also had osteogenesis imperfecta, […]
Finishing the 22/23 Season Strong
The 2022/23 season has been one of the most eventful skating seasons of my career. I started the season off by going to the chiropractor weekly and overtraining myself to the point of exhaustion. I ended the season by earning a silver medal at the Longtrack Junior World Championships, winning nationals for my age group, […]
Cherishing the Lives of Those We’ve Lost
In life, the concept of death can be both confusing and challenging to grasp. When exactly do we truly die? Is it the moment our body ceases to function, or when our last thought drifts away? The uncertainty is overwhelming, and saying goodbye to loved ones never gets any easier. While reflecting on the loss […]
Introducing Skate and Innovate: Think Sharp, Skate Fast
Welcome! My name is Marley Soldan, and welcome to my blog! I started this blog as a way of sharing my story. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire anyone who may read this. In this blog, I will share my ideas and perspectives on interesting topics, and hopefully, improve my skills as a […]