Submitted by brandon on
Skateistan is excited to welcome a new volunteer to the team: Alixandra (Alix) Buck. Alix is coming on board as a 6 month volunteer at the Skateistan Cambodia project. She's arriving at a really interesting time because we are currently in the process of building the first Skateistan skatepark in Phnom Penh and need all the help we can get. We asked Alix a few questions about herself and her new role at Skateistan in a short Q&A. Check out what she had to say.
Skateistan: How long have you been skating, how'd you get into it?
Alix: I’ve been skating since about 2006. I got into it right after moving to Toronto in high school. I didn’t really know anybody, and I had this board that I could barely use. Right near my house was an incredible bowl (Vanderhoof Skatepark), and I started showing up there all the time and trying to skate it. The skating and the community were incredible, and I was hooked
S: What were you doing before Skateistan?
A: Last year I earned my BA from the University of Guelph in Canada. While I was there, I had the opportunity to go on a semester abroad in Guatemala, which was great. Since graduating, I have been working and travelling – I spent some time in South America and was able to do alot of ski touring in British Columbia.
S: How did you hear about Skateistan?
A: I first heard about Skateistan a few years ago in an SBC (Skateboard Canada) Magazine feature. I was really impressed and stoked about what the organization was doing, and have been keeping up with it since.
S: What was the application process like for you?
A: The application process was really long. I didn’t hear back for months after I applied, as there weren’t any positions available. By the time I did hear back, I had assumed that Skateistan wasn’t interested in my application; I was really excited that they were. The interview process was pretty intensive, but it was great to be able to get a good handle on what was going on with the organization through the interviews.
S: What are your first impressions of Phnom Penh?
A: Phnom Penh is hot and crazy and hectic. There is alot of action, and alot of noise, which is fun for me.
S: How do you feel about being a part of the project in Cambodia? (as it is still pretty young)
A: I am really happy to be here. I think that we will be seeing big changes over the next few months, and I am really excited to be a part of it.
S:What do you hope to get accomplished during your time at the project?
A: I hope to see the new skatepark completed and alot of growth and progress as a result of the better space. Personally, I am still adjusting to my new role and just want to help out in any way I can.
S: Anything else to add?
A: Only a big thanks!
