四川 謝雪梅

When I was three,my mom decided it was time for me to start swimming.With eagerness,I walked to the pool's edge and,while my mom's back was turned,I jumped right in.Not surprisingly,I sank like a rock.I still remember how I struggled to try to get back to the surface.Luckily,the lifeguard was able to grab me.For a long time,that experience scared me.But after practicing hard,and often,I would still be affected by my fear of drowning.

When I arrived at Penn State as a college freshman,I started to drown and that old fear was staring at me in the face.Between a heavy course load,extracurricular activities,making new friendships,and touches of homesickness,things did not go well.I needed a change.I forced myself to clear my mind.I began to understand how to excel in college.It wasn't easy,but I made a strict system for myself,like review sessions,study groups and repetitive individual practice.It worked.I retook Chemical and passed.I also continued to be active in the Student Red Cross Club,which continues to serve as both an extracurricular activity and a source of friends.But I wouldn't say I had learned to swim.But I would say that I learned how to float.But now I know I don't need a lifeguard and that I can save myself just fine.

With each new course,I will become a stronger swimmer.My mom is right;swimming is a skill everyone should learn.I believe swimming and working hard can make me successful.

Reading Check

How did the author overcome his fear in college?