We Are Family

Something that has shaped my life in a huge way is my swim team. We are called the “Holy Mackerels.” We aren’t one of those super competitive swim teams and that’s one of the best parts.

            We are all very close. We are actually quite close to family during the summer. By family, I’m not implying that we are all kind to each other and we love each other. I’m implying, we tease each other; we fool around; sometimes we fight; but we always fix it. We act like a real family. Everyone on the team, new or old, is welcomed into our family.

            The younger kids on the team “look-up” to us older kids. We have to be there for them. Whether it’s putting their cap on, or teaching them a stroke, they need us, and we are there.

             Swimmers can participate on the team from ages five to eighteen. Once they are nineteen, they have officially graduated. My two older sisters have graduated from the swim team already. One of them is now a coach. 

            One of the elements that bring our team together even more is that we have shared many kinds of experiences. We have lost people together, we have found new people together, we have achieved many goals, and so much more. Knowing that, when you need a shoulder to cry on or a helping-hand, you will have 250 options is an amazing feeling. We are always there for each other. We are family.