Although virtual schooling could be isolating, Rita keeps in touch with friends she made at Chippewa Falls Middle School. She also has made new friends in Minnesota’s figure-skating circles.
Skating at her level also requires a financial commitment from her family.
Coaching costs $78 an hour, and then there is paying for ice time and sending food with Rita for the week, Arleen said.
Her mom previously made her skating outfits, but reaching the national stage warrants the $600 shimmering lime-green custom-made dress she will wear at the upcoming championships.
Both Rita and her mother said the best way to deal with living apart during the week is to not dwell on time she is away from her parents and four siblings. They keep in touch as many modern families do: by cell phone.
For the rest of the article, go to Getting to the national skating championships took a commitment
