Our student spotlight this week is on Aspen McDowell. Aspen is an exemplary student who started at the age of nine in kids classes, and has since advanced to attend teen classes and mixed adult classes. Aspen is currently 12 years old and has advanced in rank to recommended black belt. Aspen’s practice at Asheville Sun Soo is characterized by self motivation, personal responsibility, and consistent courtesy towards peers and instructors.

Aspen stays on top of the cumulative traditional Tae Kwon Do curriculum by practicing outside of class, and as a result, he excels technically and is always ready to support lower belt students. Additionally, Aspen frequently volunteers at Kids Night Out – and makes a huge difference. Aspen pays attention to the details and helps to include kids who are less social by getting to know them and inviting them to an appropriate activity. The Asheville Sun Soo community is grateful to have a student like Aspen who is friendly, hard working, and inclusive towards others. Thanks Aspen for being an inspiration to your classmates and instructors!

How old are you?
I am 12 years old.

What is your rank?
I am a recommended black belt.

What is your occupation?
I am a student at Eblen Intermediate and I am currently in 6th grade.

Why do you practice?
I practice because I want to learn self defense and it is my goal to be a Black Belt.

How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing for 2 ½ years.

What do you enjoy most about your practice so far?
I love meeting new people and staying in shape with challenging exercises.

What are some of your other hobbies or interests?
Some of my hobbies are playing drums and basketball, collecting coins and I’m also good at video games.

What is something people at Tae Kwon Do probably don’t know about you?
I play percussion in the school band and I was born in South Carolina.

What is your favorite Tae Kwon Do moment?
My favorite moment was my first board break because of the adrenaline rush and everyone cheering me on.