"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." -motto of Special Olympics

1. The First Practice Is NOT Practice

On the first day of practice one must not ACTUALLY practice, one must simply learn names and play games. This is the day you will learn who is verbal and who is non-verbal and even learn who has a boyfriend/girlfriend. Andrew (pictured above) told me on the first day of practice, "On the first day, we don't paddle, we swim and play in the mud." Work hard, play hard.

2. Chick-fil-a Is A Proper First Date

After my first swim meet with Jackson (pictured above), he asked me on a first date with him to Chick-fil-a. This was the day where he told me that I was his girlfriend and I was the prettiest girl at Special Olympics. Chick-fil-a is OBVIOUSLY the PERFECT first date.

3. It Is ALL About The Competition

Competition days are where your skills come out. You don't practice just to practice, you practice to compete, and WIN. The medals around your neck mean you practiced as hard as you could. Jackson (pictured above) always shows off his medals. Go hard or go home.

4. Hugs Are REQUIRED After A Race

Whether you win or lose a hug and a "good job" are ABSOLUTELY necessary. Jackson (pictured above) ALWAYS gives me a hug after every relay and every practice. A hug is a sense of happiness and pride.

5. Selfies Are The ONLY Way To Prove That You Did ANYTHING Together

Sticking your tongue out, tongue taco, duck face, smiling, scared, angry, sad; any facial expression you can think of you better take that selfie because if you don't it doesn't count as you actually being together. Maddie (pictured above) and I are well known for our funny selfies. One day you won't be able to see a person every day take a selfie and treasure it forever.

6. Every Improvement Is An AMAZING Improvement

Kenny (pictured above) is one of the most AMAZING boys I have ever met. When I first met him he wouldn't say a word to anyone but as soon as he touched the water he has a new personality. As I talked to him and learned about him he opened up; now every time someone new is around he is the first one to shake your hand and say, "Kenneth junior but people call me Kenny." This accomplishment by him was celebrated with a new hat and cupcakes. Always celebrate the little things in life.

7. Nicknames Are The Utmost Important Part Of Who You Are

If you don't have a fun nickname you are NOT official in the athletes' books. I know kids nicknamed Mad Dog, The Fish, The Boss (pictured above), Kenny the Killer, Little Miss Attitude, and much much more. Without these nicknames the kids aren't themselves. Find a good nickname and stick with it because it is who you are.

8. How To Love Thoughtlessly

I don't know if thoughtlessly is a word but it describes how these athletes love. Maddie (pictured above on the left) and Calli (pictured above on the right) were having some issues with each other. Maddie wouldn't listen or she'd have an attitude. We left practice and I heard Maddie say, "I love you Calli" and it brought tears to my eyes knowing that after a huge ordeal one can still love the other. Love is thoughtless, love is blind.