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My Summer Internship at BFC
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| When:
May 15 - June 15, 2010
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Where: Katy,
Texas |
 By:
Nicholas Korn
Freshman year in college,
first semester finals, I sit writing a 15 page paper on the the
environment and our natural resources. Instead of looking for credible
sources that would further my argument, I click on barefootcentral.com
and stumble upon the opportunity of a lifetime. The description read
something along these lines: Are you a skier that'll practically do
anything to improve your skills and be involved in the watersports
market? Do you want an opportunity to ski more than you can handle? As I
finished reading the description, I knew I had to do it. I opened up a
new tab on my computer and started writing why I should be chosen to do
it. I got a call from Chuck and Michele a couple days later and they
told me that I had been selected. I was stoked and couldn't wait for the
summer.
Finally, school ended and I got on a plane from Chicago, Illinois to
Katy, Texas. It was all of about a three hour plane ride and Chuck and
Andre were already waiting for me at the airport. It wasn't 30 seconds
into the car ride from the airport to Chuck's house that I was informed
(forced) into playing the slug bug game. Little did I know, that the
same results would happen regardless of the amount of time you play slug
bug with Chuck and Andre. I would always finish last, Andre in second,
and Chuck always the winner. I sat in the car calling slug bug after
slug bug that was marked off-limits. I even called a dealership which
made my total about -7. If I had just sat in silence and not said a word
I would have had 0 which made a pretty good story for Michele when I
finally arrived.
Once at Chuck's house, they asked if I wanted to go skiing, I of course
said yes. I was eager to show them what I could do. My first attempt was
a front deep and I couldn't get up. As the boat pulled around I saw
Andre and Chuck look at each other, didn't say a word, but I knew that
they were thinking, "Did we just hire an intern that can't do a front
deep?" As my first set ended I struggled with my front deep and barely
was able to do a basic one foot.
As the days went by I had learned from Chuck and Andre in one month what
would have taken me years to learn on my own. Chuck and Andre were great
teachers; however, the real reason that I was able to progress so much
was because of the competitions that I had with each of them as
individuals. As I was steadily progressing, I would have a new challenge
awaiting me. Once I learned one foots I moved onto toe holds. After
doing my first ever toe hold, I was faced with my first challenge:
Katherine. The challenge was to get up double long line and see who
could hold a toe hold longer. I was terrified of the challenge, because
I knew how close it was going to be. I was already hearing about what
would happen if I lost from Chuck and Andre as they put a ridiculous
amount of pressure on me not to lose to an eight year old girl. Even
Michele couldn't stop herself. The final results had to be video
reviewed and I ended up winning by less than a second. I can only
imagine what would have happened if I lost. The real winner was
Katherine though who can do a toe hold at the age of 8.
I went on to learn a bunch of other tricks such as the dolphin, jump out
dolphin, both toe holds, back deep, back one foots, back toe holds, adv,
and even 4 turns on shoe skis. It was an unbelievable experience not
only because of what I learned and got to see on the water, but also
because what I got to take part in off the water. I got to see the
factory and take part in the business side of the watersports industry
which was really cool. I got to see how everything works and the brains
behind all the barefooting equipment that I have been using.
One of the things that I will miss the most is the weather. 95 and sunny
everyday is pretty hard to beat, and I felt that right after I arrived
back in Chicago. It was an unforgettable experience and I would like to
thank everyone that made it so great. So, first, I'd like to thank Chuck
and Michele for letting me stay in your house and be a part of your
family for a month. Next, I'd like to thank Andre for teaching
everything that you taught me. I'd like to thank Katherine for pushing
me in barefooting, even though she may not have known it. Finally, I'd
like to thank everyone at Eagle Sports and Fulfill Plus: Joe, Larry,
Frank, and everyone else.
Thanks to all that made my trip to Texas unbelievable and unforgettable.
Can't wait to come back next year.
p.s While I was taking off back to Chicago, I turned to the person next
to me, pointed out the window, and said, "Do you see that car?" SLUG
BUG!!!" I was wondering how many points I should have gotten for calling
a slug bug while taking off in an airplane.
Click Here to see video of Nick's Experience |
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