Midseason has a funny way of forcing perspective. You’re no longer brand new, but you’re not anywhere near finished. Things that once felt overwhelming start to feel normal, even on days when the workload and the weather push back hard.
Here’s what this season has been teaching me so far.
Finding My Footing on Campus
Starting a new chapter, no matter where or when, can feel overwhelming. When I first arrived on campus, I was convinced I would never fully understand the layout. Everything felt divided by majors, teams, and routines that were already in motion.
I lived in a small dorm called Jessie Doe, tucked on a hill near Paul College and the Field House, with HOCO and most of my classes within a short walk. What I didn’t realize at first was how much of campus I hadn’t even seen. There were entire freshman halls, academic buildings, and another dining hall that I simply had no reason to visit.
Over time, what felt unfamiliar slowly became routine. The spaces didn’t change. I did.
Racing Through the Cold
We’re halfway through carnival season now. Three races down and three to go, and the conditions so far have been brutal. Every race has dipped below zero at some point. Dartmouth’s carnival started at –17 when we arrived at the hill, which set the tone early.
At our first carnival at Sugarloaf, I struggled to keep up with the cold and ended up with minor frostbite on my left foot. While it hasn’t affected my skiing, it’s been a challenge to manage day to day. Outside of that, my Burgeon base layers have been essential in keeping my core warm through long race days and training sessions.
The cold hasn’t stayed on the hill either. Early mornings for class are tougher when the air seeps through the windows, which is why my Franconia Zip Up has become a non-negotiable layer under my UNH coat. It’s warm, easy to remove, and small enough to pack away once I step into overheated classrooms.
Staying Focused Midseason
Balancing everything this season has been demanding. Classes, homework, early van rides, training, ski prep, sponsor commitments, and the everyday tasks like laundry, packing, eating, and sleeping all stack up quickly.
Still, I wouldn’t trade it. The challenges I’ve faced so far have already taught me lessons that extend far beyond this season. I know they’ll carry into the rest of my time at UNH and beyond.
As my first carnival season as an NCAA athlete continues, I’m learning how to push through hard days, stay grounded, and stay focused. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way, and to Burgeon for helping keep me warm through it all.
—Abishai
More from the road (and the racecourse) as the season continues.
