Sophomore Kristine Shanks practices Taekwondo 3-4 times per week for three hours per practice. She is working towards her third degree black belt, but also practices for the occasional tournament and performance. She started Taekwondo at age three and has been in this sport for 13 years. Kristine loves it for its challenge, but also the social aspect. Practicing kicks and working with weapons is her favorite aspect of the sport. Kristine explains that she doesn’t know why she originally signed up for taekwondo, but says “I have always enjoyed it so I have kept going with it since. It’s a happy place to be.”