Some things just change people and shape people in good ways. For me, being on the girl's swimming and diving team was one of those things that really helped me grow, work hard, and feel like I was bettering myself. Here is my love letter to the sport that changed my life.

Dear Swimming,

I love you. Because of you, I learned discipline and hard work. I had goals for myself that I worked hard towards and that I achieved. In the four years I knew you, you taught me to never give up.

You gave me a team that was supportive at a time in my life when I didn't know how badly I needed it. You gave me people who believed in me. They didn't care if someone else could swim faster, they cared that I put in effort and that I tried. They cared that I worked as hard as I could to make myself better, because they wanted to support me and make me be better, too. You gave me a family, rather than just a team.

You were an outlet I could put all of my frustration into. Where I let my pain go, and pushed my limits to be better, swim faster, accomplish more than I ever thought possible. You were an escape for me. A place where I was what mattered. You kept me in line and you gave me something on which to focus.

The work ethic you taught me, carried over into other aspects of my life. My job, school, relationships. Each of these takes hard work and dedication. I have kept going, even when I have wanted to quit, and I give the credit to you. Because without you, I never would have known how rewarding it is when you finally reach your goals. And that the only way to get there is to keep at it, and keep working.

It has been a few years now. Four to be exact. And I miss you. I want so badly to find the time I used to have to get acquainted with you again. Thank you for everything you gave me, swimming. I couldn't have asked for a better sport to love.

Love,

The girl who fell in love with the water.

No matter what sport you fell in love with, basketball, football, soccer, ect. The general tone applies. It takes one person, and one sport, and one life can be changed forever.