Swimming is a love/hate sport. I hate jumping in a cold pool early in the morning, dryland training, and doubles. But even through all the hate, there is a reason why I always come back. I don't swim because I’m the best at it or because I never had to worry about becoming fat. I swim because I like the feeling you get from it. The feeling when you glide through the water, the feeling of excitement when you drop a second or even 0.1 of a second, the feeling you get when you accomplish a goal you have been trying to beat for months. Those are some of best feelings you can have as a swimmer. But one of the main reasons I swim is because by being apart of a swim team you also get a second family. Being able to have my teammates and coaches in my life is a blessing. As teammates, we might not always see eye to eye, but in the end you're always there for each other. Cheering for teammates and having teammates cheer for you can make huge difference in your race and your teammate’s race. They are always a friendly face to say hey to on your way to class or someone to grab dinner with after practice. My coaches have helped make me a stronger swimmer and person. They push me beyond my limits which has help me grow and become a better swimmer.
Choosing to swim in college when I wasn't planning to was one of the best decisions I made. Even if it meant getting up at 6 a.m. or cutting my winter break short, it was all worth it. Getting to be a part of this team made my freshmen year. It taught me a lot about time management, hard work, and dedication. Even through all the hard practices and days when I wanted to give up, I probably wouldn't give it up.
When it’s actually comes time for me to hang up my goggles and step down from the block, I might shed a tear or two, but not because I’m happy that I never have to buckle another parachute to my waist again or wake up for a 6:30 morning practice. It’s because I’m leaving something I have come to love. Swimming in college has really taught me what it really means to be a swimmer and I am grateful for that. I might not always be able to hop in a pool when I become older, but I will always carry what I learned and the memories I have gained during the seasons, from my teammates and coaches, training trips, and meets. That will always make me a swimmer inside and out.
