By: Veronica Saint Jane
I was in middle school when I first stepped on snow at Snoqualmie Mountain to begin my SOS Outreach journey in the Learn to Ride program. Growing up, I was passionate about art and naturally shy, but my parents encouraged me to try new hobbies, like sports. I can remember that first bus ride to the mountain with about six other kids from my school- I was the only girl. It was overwhelming at first, all the gear and constant falling, but I was determined to keep going. It was a pivotal moment in my life, not just because I learned to snowboard, but because it opened a world of opportunities that shaped who I am today.
Fast forward to nine years later, I’m an active member of the SOS Outreach Alumni Program, and I’m in the final semester of my BFA in Industrial Design at the California College of the Arts. As I dive into the world of design, I continue to look for ways to integrate my love of boardsports and desire to make an impact in the industry.
This Summer, SOS approached me with an opportunity to create a design that brings to life the organization’s brand through my eyes. Despite a busy schedule with school and a thesis project, I was stoked to be a part of this. The design was inspired by my early days in the SOS program. It was my first experience on a snowboard and my first time riding a chairlift, sparking my love for an active outdoor lifestyle. The six sides of the sticker symbolize the six core values of SOS that serve as a reminder to ‘spread the love’ by making an impact everyday. I owe so much to the mentors and friends I met through SOS Outreach.
Through SOS, I’ve been fortunate to pursue other remarkable opportunities that have propelled my career as a designer. I was selected as one of four BIPOC alumnae to design and market a custom Nordica ski to raise money for SOS. As part of this project, I attended the annual Silverton Changemakers Summit to share the story behind the project. The program also helped me land an internship with Ride and K2 Snowboards, where I focused on boots and bindings design engineering during the winter of 22-23. Additionally, I had the chance to design the 2024 Epic Promise logo for Vail Resorts’ merchandise collection.
It’s an honor to stay engaged with the organization in a way that I feel I can truly lend my talents to make a difference. Receiving a balance of creative freedom and mentorship throughout these projects has helped me grow. I hope this new design inspires current SOS participants and alumni to stay engaged and recognize the amazing opportunities the program offers.
Looking back, my experience with SOS Outreach has left me feeling incredibly thankful, inspired, and motivated. The program has opened so many doors for me and instilled a belief that I can achieve amazing things in life. I’m excited for what lies ahead and the continued impact SOS will have on my journey.
