Joseph Preseren

Ever wonder what it’s like to ride a unicycle? Joseph Preseren, 16, born in Frederick Maryland, but now resides in Roanoke Virginia, took on the challenge of learning how to ride a unicycle. ”I saw this little kid at a summer camp that I went to who was like 7 or 8 years old on a unicycle, and I thought that I could probably do the same. So once I got back home I ordered one off of Amazon and started once I got it.”  Preseren stated.

When Preseren first started learning how to ride a unicycle he was only 14 years old. In the beginning he fell off many times, but he slowly started learning the basics, like going in a straight line. Finally, he has gotten so good at riding a unicycle that he can “ride up, down, and around his neighborhood which has a lot of hills” said Preseren. When talking with Preseren you can tell how much pride he takes in his ability to ride a unicycle. “I can ride backwards and I am currently learning how to ride in a circle.” Preseren told me that a unicycle doesn’t have brakes, so if you stop peddling then the wheels stop. If you want to stop and you are going fast, then you just have to jump off. Also, the rate that you are peddling is how fast or slow you are going.

Preseren shared a little bit about himself. He currently attends Hidden Valley High School and lives with his dad Joe Preseren. “I don’t really know if I would like to attend college, but I will go to college if I truly find something I want to do. If I don’t, then I plan to find success elsewhere.” said Preseren. He has a passion for music and making music. Currently he writes lyrics, but he just feels like people are overlooking him and his hidden talent. Preseren has many of friends, but his best friends are Chris Daniel and Alec Dalton. He plays basketball and he also works at Elm Park Estates, which is a senior living and retirement community, where he serves the residents and also busses the tables.

            Whatever Preseren decides to do with his life after high school whether he goes into college or finds success elsewhere, he will definitely have the determination to get the job done. Just like how he had the determination of learning how to ride a unicycle!

By: Leah Newton