Alex Vazquez is a senior environmental science and technology major at the University of Maryland. In February of 2019, Vazquez started skateboarding. She recognizes the challenges in participating in a male-dominated sport.
Vazquez said, “Learning to claim a space at the park and that it’s not okay for people to cut me off is a hard learning curve.”
In these first nine months of her skateboarding endeavors, Vazquez is grateful for friends that have skated with her. Three of her friends each took turns holding her hand when she attempted her first drop-in off a ramp.
“My closest friends that I skate with are very skilled so I feel more confident just being in their presence,” said Vazquez.
Alex Vazquez takes a break at the North Laurel Skatepark in Laurel, Maryland, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Since learning how to skateboard in February of 2019, Vazquez has gotten more comfortable skating at parks alone and claiming her space. (Photo by Camryn DeLuca)Alex Vazquez holds her skateboard in the center of North Laurel Skatepark in Laurel, Maryland, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Vazquez admitted she owned a skateboard for about two years before befriending people she felt comfortable skating with. (Photo by Camryn DeLuca)Alex Vazquez sits on a boulder on top of a ramp at North Laurel Skatepark on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Vazquez favors this park in particular because of the wide variety of ramps, which are structures she has used the most in her first nine months of skating. (Photo by Camryn DeLuca)Alex Vazquez is wearing a shirt with her original artwork at North Laurel Skatepark on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Vazquez illustrates without a set plan in mind, completing the drawing on her shirt with fabric markers in 15 minutes. (Photo by Camryn DeLuca)191012-CD018-EDIT
Alex Vazquez sits on a boulder on a plot of mulch at North Laurel Skatepark on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Vazquez’s time at the park serves as motivation to improve to the point where she feels confident enough to partake in street skating. (Photo By Camryn DeLuca)
JOUR370 -Intro to Photojournalism 