Glide Together: An AALEAD Ice Skating Event

Asian American LEAD’s (AALEAD) ice skating field trip this March was a joyful afternoon of connection and growth. Youth, families, and staff came together to glide, laugh, and support one another. Staff observed youth gain confidence on the ice, while other students patiently helped an AALEAD employee learn to skate, demonstrating resilience and leadership. From first-timers to experienced skaters, participants celebrated community, friendship, and the incredible growth of AALEAD youth over the past several years.

“I attended our annual ice skating field trip this March. This is my third ice skating field trip, and I’m grateful to see familiar faces from all three regions of programs. I was able to spend one-on-one time with a DC youth participant who I’ve witnessed come out of her shell and be more comfortable sharing her authentic self with me and AALEAD. It was only 15 minutes, but I showed her a few ice skating tips and tricks and watched her confidence grow. I felt moved because it captured her journey with AALEAD in the past couple of years. Her confidence in trying things, public speaking, taking initiative, sharing her opinions, has grown immensely!” - AALEAD Manager

“I am grateful to the youth who attended our ice skating field trip and pushed me out of my comfort zone to get on the ice. A few of them took the time and patience to teach me how to ice skate and skate around the rink with me, so I wouldn’t be scared alone. Other students also made sure to slow down and check in with me as they skated around. They showed me resiliency whenever they would fall and get right back up to skate. One sixth grade student in particular really showed how she has grown in her leadership skills and confidence while she taught me since she first joined AALEAD in the fall.” - AALEAD Team Member