#CitizensofSkateistan: Interview with Vanessa Torres
Vanessa Torres, has been a pushing the global female skate scene for over a decade. She was the first female skater to win an X Games Gold medal and earlier this year she took a bronze at the X Games in Oslo. The 29-year-old is a great example of someone who has continued to push herself over the years to always be learning and progressing both on and off her skateboard. As a Citizen of Skateistan and ambassador for Cheapo, Vanessa is an inspiration to skaters around the world, including our female students in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa.
This week we are telling the stories of our Back-To-School program, so in honor of that, we got in touch with Vanessa to ask her about learning, skating and future goals!
When you were 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Well, I was a very avid tree climber at that age and I loved going on little adventures in my grandma’s backyard in search of any insects and reptiles. I love all creatures! So I suppose you could say a veterinarian! But I’m not sure I would’ve known what that was at that age haha.
In Afghanistan, our Back-To-School students study subjects like reading, writing, maths and Dari, but what was your favorite subject at school?
Is physical education (PE) a valid subject?! I have always been extremely high in energy my whole life so I loved running track and anything physically demanding!
How old were you when you started skating?
Around 12 or 13 years old!
Skateistan hopes to not only provide education so that kids can enroll in public school in Afghanistan, but also provide life skills for their students around the world, especially through the Skate and Create program. Are there any life lessons from when you were younger that stick in your mind now?
My grandma has been and always will be my number one motivator, in all aspects of my life. She has always instilled strength and courage within me and always reminds me to stand tall in my self-worth!
What have you learned from skateboarding?
Community, love, support, friendship and giving back.
We believe skateboarding is one of the best educations you can get. Why do you think it is a good thing for kids to do?
Personally, I believe it instills positive drive to learn, create, progress and is an amazing outlet to really push and challenge yourself. Plus of course, it builds up confidence! All of this still resonates in me to this day.
This week we are telling the story of Freshta* a former Back-To-School student who is now in grade 7 at public school. She is also a Youth Leader at Skateistan now and part of the student council! She really made the most of the opportunities. What opportunities has skateboarding given you?
It has given me the opportunity to make a name for myself doing what I truly love the most. But most importantly, it has guided me to a rad place in my life where I can give back through positive movements like Skateistan and Poseiden Foundation, to hopefully inspire with my story and love for skateboarding.
Our students love to tell us what they want to do in the future, from becoming a doctor, or lawyer to being a pro-skater or athlete. What future learning goals do you have?
I’m looking forward to learning the business side of starting an apparel brand! Wish me luck! Also maybe dabbling in some beginners yoga because this gal is hitting 30(years old) in a matter of days!
It’s never too late to learn! Our Back-To-School students range from 5–17 years old, gaining educational opportunities and life skills that they can take back to their wider community.
Join our global community alongside Vanessa, our students, staff and other supporters. When you donate $10 or more a month, you become a Citizen of Skateistan and help make it possible for thousands of children in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa to attend our programs, providing at risk-youth with the opportunity to become leaders for a better world.
