Rayvin Dawkins is riding the half pipe of life and as a senior and skateboarding enthusiast at SUNY Old Westbury. He’s set to trick back down the half pipe as a
graduate with still much to figure out for his future — but he knows that skateboarding will be a part of it.
The half pipe, two ramps pushed facing each other in a U shape, is a common sight at many skate parks around the world. Skaters ride it up and down, while some stop at the peak of the ramp to rest or enjoy the view.
Dawkins is at the metaphoric top of that ramp, asking himself where to next after college.
“I think I’m very interested in the television and the filming aspects,” said Dawkins.
Dawkins’ only way is forward, and the way forward is in a field he has much experience in. As a successful skateboarding YouTuber, and more recently a documentarian, Dawkins is working hard to find his way in life.
“I feel like when I’m skateboarding, it’s when I can really seize the present moment,” said Dawkins. “Oftentimes, I’m always catastrophizing and stuff, I feel like I can really tune my body and my mind into one similar plane and really just keep going forward.”
Skateboarding has been Dawkins’ escape and his outlet for his creativity and passion, although without monetization.
“I’m not really too worried about it,” said Dawkins. “I’ve realized that numbers aren’t everything. I think connection is also very important, and just because my videos aren’t blossoming doesn’t mean that I’m not doing a good job.”
As Dawkins moves towards his future as a filmmaker, he still holds tight to his passion.
“Skateboarding, it will always be in my top five,” said Dawkins.
Wondering what is next is not new for Dawkins. In fact, the last time he asked himself what was next, it culminated in the genesis of his YouTube channel, where he showcases his skills on the skateboard.
“I think the reason why I partly did it was kind of out of passion, but also, I guess, kind of out of fear,” said Dawkins.
Despite the fear and what he said was a lack of support from his family, he decided to turn something he loved into something great. Dawkins’ YouTube channel has continued to blossom since its start. Dawkins said that his internship at SUNY Old Westbury’s Media Innovation Center and his class load helped him improve his channel as well.
Last semester, he began his first venture into filmography with a documentary about skateboarding. Dawkins views this project as the foundation of showing people what he can do.
“I think the passion was able to speak for itself and I really wanted to see how skateboarding not only impacted my life, but also the lives of others,” said Dawkins.
Dawkins said he has interests to be in television and film after graduation and this documentary is the perfect start.
“I don’t have to worry about yesterday or tomorrow,” said Dawkins. “I can really be present. I think when I’m skateboarding, that’s when I’m the most present.”
