Nordic Skier Moves Mountains (Of Snow) With TTU K-12

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Hard work is nothing new to Texas Tech University High School sophomore Hudson Humphreys. From farming cotton in West Texas to Nordic skiing, he's learned to excel in everything he does.

"My whole life I have grown up in a work environment. During the summer we are cotton farmers outside Lubbock, Texas, and during the winter my family's business is to test snow tire traction in West Yellowstone," Hudson explained. "Ever since about age 8 to 9 I have been plowing fields with tractors or running heavy machinery during harvest or whenever we have to pack the traction course snow. Working hard is something that has been taught to me and something that has helped me become the person I am today."

Hudson's family's business is the #1 tire testers for snow and ice in the world, and there are only three who do it. He was able to travel to Sweden in the summer of 2017 to test tires at a special indoor testing facility.

At 16 years old, Hudson is also a competitive Nordic skier for the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team. Pursuing his education through TTU K-12 has facilitated him being able to travel whenever and wherever his family or his passion takes him.

"I have been attending TTU K-12 since the fall of 2018, and it has been an amazing experience," Hudson said. "Texas Tech High School has allowed me to have certain freedoms in my life; for instance, being able to have more free time or being able to make plans last-minute with sports or friends or work."

Comparing his experience with TTUHS to a traditional education, he pulled no punches.

"I would say that between me and my friends in the public-school system, I am the one receiving a better education. TTU K-12 has taught me how to study and be responsible for my classes, whether it's grades or turning in assignments. It has taught me to be responsible in everything I do and make sure I do a job 100 percent."

Currently Hudson is starting his sophomore classes and working on the test course to start practicing for the next ski season.

After graduation he plans on attending Texas A&M University to study nuclear engineering, as well as be a Cadet in the Aggie Corps of Cadets. After college, he plans on enlisting in the Air Force.

To other students having desire and passion to pursue something for which traditional education might be an obstacle, he highly recommends TTU K-12 as a solution.

"I would for sure take that step; making this decision would be beneficial to him or her in the future. I have been enjoying every moment of it," he said. "Being able to attend TTU K-12 is truly a privilege, and anyone else who attends this should either think or feel the same."