Jan 15, 2007 6:45 am US/Eastern
Notable New Yorker: Skating With Sharon Cohen
by Kate Sullivan
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
If you are looking for a way to make a difference in this world, Sharon Cohen's story should inspire you. In 1997, Cohen was looking for a job that made a difference. The thing was she really only had one true passion: years and years of competitive figure skating. So she took that skill and headed to Harlem. What happened next is what makes Sharon Cohen this week's Notable New Yorker.
"I do think destiny is in play. I never expected to be in Harlem," Cohen said.
Cohen started skating at the age of 8 in Wilmington, Del., and turned competitive in high school.
"It was a joy and love of my life, and I thought, 'I'm done,'" she said.
Not so fast. While working in television in 1997, Cohen got some skates and partnered with an after-school program to start a non-profit organization that would give girls in Harlem a chance to do something they never would normally get to do: Ice skate.
"It's a wonderful experience. It's a way to relieve the stress of the rest of the day," said skater Britni Lindsay.
Now, 11 years later, this has become Cohen's full-time job. More than 100 girls, ages 6 to 16, come here to Riverbank State Park Skating Rink in Harlem.
"This is where it all happens," Cohen said.
Girls learn more than just the basics of skating. The program is rigorous, requiring a major commitment to keep a B average in school.
Think about your passion -- something you could do for five hours and not stop, as well as take part in all aspects of the program, including classroom teaching, such as lessons on goal setting and leadership.
"I think this program is so much more than skating. The metaphors to look for to be a leader -- more the ice, and more and more lessons apply," Cohen said.
"It started with me watching the Olympics, and my mother thinking, 'Why not?'" Lindsay said.
After participating for four years, Lindsay loves figure skating and what it's been able to teach her about life.
"I want to be a teacher, and I want to make a positive difference. Just like this program. I want to teach you can be self confident about whatever your dreams or goals are," Lindsay said. "No matter how hard a jump or spin seems. You can always overcome it. If you have the passion and desire to do so."
And it's students like Lindsay that tell Cohen that she has ended up exactly where she is suppose to be.
"It's better than any skating I did myself. There's nothing more exciting than seeing someone light up when they get something," said Cohen.
Just last month, Cohen was recognized by People magazine and Maybelline as a woman who inspires confidence through education. She received a $10,000 reward. And that will go a long way to providing scholarships for new students, as well as ice time for the current students.
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