I’ve fallen in love. It’s been life changing. All my friends have noted and commented on my new glow. There’s really nothing like it. It makes everything seem fruitful and enjoyable, and I have drive and direction like never before
For such a long time I wandered around the streets of campus, thinking: where, how, and who would bring some vigour and vitality to my student existence? Little did I know they were just around the corner, on my very own campus.
They bring so much joy to my life. We’ve been seeing each other for 8 months now, which makes this the longest relationship I’ve ever had. We spend so many nights together: Friday night – date night, Tuesday night – our night in and every other weeknight we can be found sneaking on to campus roofs to watch the stars together. I love spending the Sunday sunshine with them, first sitting out on the grass and then getting our hearts racing indoors.
Since we’ve been together, I’ve become stronger, thicker-skinned and ready to take a knock or two. It’s the lessons you learn being in a relationship – going fast when you need to and slowing down when its time to focus. They make me want to be better, stay healthy, eat well, socialise and make new friends.
Who is this wonderful person, you may ask, and where can they be found? Well, you’ll be happy to know they’ve got lots of love to give and open arms waiting just for you. I’m happy to share.
Yes, I’ve fallen in love with roller derby, or to be more exact, I’ve fallen in love with ANU’s Roller Derby league, known as the Varsity Derby League. We meet twice per week on campus, and all are welcome – beginners, pros, students, non-students, derby-enthusiasts, derbygrrrrls, derby noobs, fans, dudes (to join our referees team)…everybody!
Roller derby is a contact speed skating sport, played by women who skate really fast in teams around a flat track. There’s a points scorer who tries to lap the other team’s players, while everyone is smacking into each other. There’s a bit more too it than that, and if you want to get a crash course, watch the movie Whip It!
The Varsity Derby League is now 50 people strong, coming a long way from our humble beginnings at the start of the year falling over in union court. We are looking to have our launch party, first bout (game) and fundraiser before the end of the year. Now is a great time to come along and have a go – pop into training and we will lend you some gear and teach you what you need to know! Email us at varsityderbyleague@gmail.com or go to our website varsityderbyleague.com or find us on facebook as ANU Roller Derby.
Come along and feel the love!
