In the summer of 2016, when I went to California, I went parasailing for the first time. It was a first time experience that overwhelmed me with fear and joy when I was launched up in the air. The rush of excitement overtook my senses, and I had the time of my life as it felt as if I was seeing the world for the first time with my eyes. I learned that I had to experience my fear to get over it.

When my dad first asked if I wanted to go parasailing, I was afraid, since I was not a big fan of heights. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to disappoint my dad and said yes. After buying the tickets, we waited until we were called up by the boat that we would be parasailing from. As the boat sped to the center of the ocean, I became more and more nervous. I tried to enjoy myself as the wind whipped my hair into my face and water sprayed all over my arms. My dad talked to me about various, unrelated things to help my nerves which were growing by the second.

Once we reached the spot for parasailing, the people asked us who would like to go first. I watched as two girls ran excitedly towards the equipment and put them on. As I watched them being launched into the sky, I felt my stomach tighten painfully with fear for them and myself. Even though, they looked like they just did the best thing in the world and were safe, I did not feel any better.

“Did you see that? They weren't scared at all. You shouldn’t be either. You won’t fall or drown. If you don’t want to look down, then just look up at the sky and enjoy it, " my dad told me. I swallowed nervously, mustering up the courage to stand up and walk over to the equipment when they called out who would like to go next.

My dad and I put on our gear and readied ourselves to go up. Without warning, I was lifted up into the air harshly as the boat slowly shrunk in front of my eyes. Suddenly, I didn’t feel scared anymore. Adrenaline washed away any feeling of fear, and I felt exhilarated. When I looked down, the beauty of the ocean surprised and enraptured me. The bluish-green water sparkled in the sunlight as the dolphins jumped around in the water.

Never had I experienced anything like it before, not even in an airplane. When they got us back down, I was a bit sad about losing the amazing view, but the feeling of exhilaration remained, reminding me of my awesome adventure.

In the end, I realized that to conquer your fears, you have to embrace it and enjoy them, just like I did with my fear of heights. Getting over your fears gives you a new sense of happiness, feeling that you’ve achieved something great. I had made a good decision in accepting to go parasailing, without which I would have never gotten over my fear and not have experienced such a wonderful feeling.