Why teach swimming

I have always had a deep connection with water. It brings me nothing but joy and happiness, and my memories are filled with moments of playing and swimming in various bodies of water. Whether it was the community pool in Palm Springs, where I would spend quality time with my sisters and cousins during our regular family getaways, or the trips to Eastern Canada where we would enjoy the pools and lakes, water has always been a source of pure bliss for me.

I also have fond memories of my swim lessons, which were conveniently located just a short walk away from my home in Glendale, CA. As my mom, little sister, and I made our way to swim class, we would be greeted by the vibrant indigo morning glories that seemed to be wide awake, just like us. While my little sister didn't share the same love for the water, I couldn't have been happier jumping off the diving board and swimming around.

One of the most thrilling adventures for me was swimming at the beaches along the Pacific coast. The refreshing waves, sometimes gentle and other times brutally strong, provided the perfect backdrop for my ocean escapades. I would often share stories with my mom about how the waves almost defeated me, and she would offer her sound advice on how to stay safe in the ocean. Being a native California girl herself, she knew all the tricks of the trade. We would spend our time together smiling and giggling as we observed sea anemones in the wave pools and dug up sand crabs in the sand. Exploring the beauty and power of nature became an integral part of my swimming experiences.

During my middle school years, I faced a setback when I didn't make the swim team in seventh grade. I was devastated, but my mom came to the rescue. She introduced me to her good friend, Joanne, who graciously offered to train me throughout the entire summer so that I could make the team in eighth grade. Joanne would have me swim laps and even had me carry rocks in my hands to build strength. After each practice, she would reward me with a smoothie that included my favorite treat, malt balls. Thanks to the hard work and support I received from Joanne, I was able to join the swim team the following year.

Swimming became my unique passion, free from any competition with my genius older sister or my forever baby little sister. As a dyslexic middle child, it was rare for me to find an activity where I could excel on my own and have everyone's encouragement and support.

But there's more to my love for swimming. When I am underwater or simply gliding through the water, I find a sense of peace that I can't find anywhere else. The water acts as a natural filter, muffling out the cheers and screams of any crowd. Any anxieties or worries that may be running through my mind also seem to dissipate as I feel the comforting and supportive silence of the water. The way light dances beneath the surface and the stillness of my breathing create a calming effect. Perhaps it's because swimming requires a precise command of breathing, exhaling in the water, holding your breath, and inhaling with precision. In that state, my mind becomes calm and flows with the water. Even when my head is above the water, if I'm kicking along with a kickboard, I feel the water's loving embrace, allowing me to move freely and gracefully. It is this engulfing love and peace that I wish for every student to discover when they enter the water.

In conclusion, my lifelong love affair with water has brought me immeasurable joy and happiness. From my early memories of playing in community pools and exploring the wonders of the ocean to the challenges I faced and overcame on the swim team, water has always been a source of solace and fulfillment for me. The tranquility and support I find in the water are unparalleled, and it is my hope that every person who enters the water can experience the same sense of love and peace that I have found.