I have been competitively swimming since I was seven years-old. The sport was nothing new but the people were. The thought of being on a whole new team in a completely different environment was nerve racking.
Our practices started in the summer before school so I did not get to meet anyone beforehand. I was so nervous that when we had to go around the circle and talk about ourselves, I could not speak. By my senior year, I was a captain and people were probably thinking, “Does she ever stop talking?” I met some of my best friends through swimming and I learned so many lessons.
My freshman year, although I did not really care that much about swimming, I was the only one in my grade to make the state team. It gave me an opportunity to become closer to some of the girls I had never really spoken to prior. Then I went to a meet with so much energy and excitement that I fell in love with the sport all over again.
I think commitment is the most important lesson swimming has taught me. Doing the same sport all year round can get tiring, but jumping in the freezing cold pool day after day is dedication. Even on the worst days I learned to swim through it. I have swam ill, I have swam after vomiting and I have swam with injuries because I have always wanted to be there for my team.
During my junior year when I was taking advanced placement classes, I found it hard to balance both school and sports. I would go to morning practice at 5 a.m., then to school, then to afternoon practice for two hours and then I would have to shower and eat dinner. I would stay up late trying to do my homework and study. However, if I had a choice, I would do it all over again.
My senior year has been the most rewarding. I saw all of my hard work throughout the years come together. This year is the best the team has ever done. I had the best state meet out of all four years.
Swimming in high school is the best decision I have ever made. It positively impacted my life so much. Even though there were many times where I had a bad swim and I wanted to give up, I learned to turn my disappointment into motivation.
