By Jessika Brokel

For many, dreams are just dreams, and for a few they come true. Freshman Abby Patten’s dream came true at the age of three. Most 3-year-olds want to be princesses but not Abby, her dream was to be an ice skater.

Abby started lessons right away, and soon joined the Eastern Iowa Figure Skating Club. She has learned many tricks, and has mastered most of them, “My favorite jump is the double flip or the double lutz, and I also love doing the spin called the layback.” Mastering all of these skills calls for many hours of practice, on average she practices eight to 10 hours a week.

Abby’s biggest goal is to make it to U.S. Nationals and compete in an international competition. Her next big competitions are Autumn Fest on Nov. 7-8, and Holiday Show on Dec. 6

Abby’s dream came true at a very young age and she is still living it. She plans on sticking with ice skating for a very long time. She would like to thank her mom for driving her to all her competitions/ practices and her coaches, Suzanne Manninen and Jennie Walsh, for all their hard work and for believing in her.