By ABBY GROFF
Staff Writer
Communities of people with shared interests exist everywhere. I’ve seen so many groups in and outside of school, but none as tightly knit as these local skaters. Since I started what I thought was going to be just a summer job at Roller Towne, I’ve grown close with many roller skating enthusiasts, young and old, and have come to learn the importance of building a community with like minded individuals.
The usage of the term “rink rat” was first recorded around the early 1940s. It’s a name typically used for teenagers or children that spend a great amount of time at an ice or hockey rink. Now these kids, in particular, I find them here at any moment; they are always together at the same table learning some new trick or such from each other.
Scarlett McHenry, 10, is a frequent skater at Roller Towne. She says she’s learned a lot about skating by being with her fellow rink rats, including how to properly fall, to hockey stop, and to 1-foot. Her favorite part about showing up everyday, though, has been “seeing friends or learning new things” and even considers this clique a second family because it’s an easy way for them to become closer. Another contributing factor to her sense of belonging at Roller Towne has been the bonds formed with employees.
Despite working there, I’ve found myself coming in when I’m not scheduled just to get to know more of them. There are so many new and interesting people to meet or learn from. I’ve met rink rats that were pre-teens, teens, and young adults. They all share one thing: their love for the rink. It’s cheesy, but something I’ve never taken into consideration until recently, and I hope to meet more of them throughout my time there.