How I Started Swimming

I was born in Charleston, SC, a place surrounded by water. Since we lived so close to the ocean, it was important to my mom that my siblings and I learned to swim at a young age. My mom then signed us up for group swim lessons at the local pool so that we could learn the proper survival skills.

My first few swim lessons went very smoothly. I was advancing quickly and having fun too. My first instructor was excellent. I was taught the different swimming strokes and developed the ability to swim several laps continuously, so I was placed out of the lessons program I was in.

After that summer, I kept swimming at my own leisure, but I was never on a formal team. It was not until I was in 5th grade that I officially joined a team. Previously taking swim lessons allowed me to learn that I actually enjoy swimming, which is why I eventually joined a youth swim team.

I am grateful for my first swim instructor and the knowledge he gave me because it exposed me to the sport of swimming. If I had never taken lessons with him, I am not sure if I would have joined a formal swimming team at a young age. Joining a swim team at a young age definitely led me to achieve a goal of mine, being able to swim in college here at Converse University.