Building Hours:Last year I was part of the Jewish Community Center of Lehigh Valley JSeals Swim Team. I think I improved a lot. I loved swimming there, improving my strokes, and making new friends! Our coaches, Mrs. Jodi Lovenwirth and Mrs. Miriam Zager, taught us so much. Though sometimes it can get tough, you improve and are proud of yourself at the end. Sometimes it can get a little competitive, but it all ends up fun.
One of the best things is knowing you are improving, and you can be proud of it. How people start with not knowing anything and ending with knowing all the strokes seems like magic. For example, at the beginning of the winter I had no idea how to do a flip turn. Soon enough, Mrs. Jodi taught me and now I do one almost each lap. The coaches pay special attention to everyone and help them all improve.
Knowing you are improving holds a special pride. Like in a swim meet, though you might not have won, you can see your speed has gotten faster. And even if it doesn’t, it makes you more determined. When you are determined, you try to push yourself to your goals. Or in races with others, like a medley relay or freestyle relay, you may feel the rest of your team is waiting for you and you feel you are going too slow. But don’t let that overwhelm you! That will just make you underconfident and go slower. When you soon find out you are going faster, it is because you practice.
Of all things like swimming, improving, practicing— I love the bonds and the new friends you make. Though competition might make it seem it is drawing you apart, it is drawing you closer. Soon enough, before you know it, you are great friends. The way you are welcomed into the team is heartwarming. When you work together in races during practice or during swim meets, cheering them on makes them feel appreciated and want to go faster. Then you can end up talking to them and soon you become friends. And that would be because of JSeals.
Swim Team is a wonderful experience. Improving, just swimming, racing, pride, friends— everything is awesome and magical. The coaches are amazing, always wanting to help you improve and cheering you on. My teammates are energetic and kind. I love it when we all laugh together and swim together. JSeals holds so many memories, and I love being a part of it. If you love swimming, you should definitely join!
