One afternoon, just after my math class, I came home and flopped onto the couch and was fast asleep. On that couch I dreamt of visiting the coast and seeing a beautiful yacht floating just a ways out. It was anchored far enough that it wouldn’t get trapped in shallow waters, but not too far so I can see the patrons enjoying themselves. Many of them began waving at the people on the beach shore to join them on the yacht. People began swimming towards the yacht. I thought these people were insane because the waves kept pushing them back. Then, from underneath a huge wave, I saw a person pop out of the sea and continued swimming. The person had passed the turbulent part of the sea and was now swimming in the calm section. To my surprise, this person made it. Having never been on one, I decided this was an opportunity not to be passed up so I joined in on this venture. As we all journeyed further into the sea, the waves became stronger. With family and friends rooting us on, we got that spike of motivation and moved forward just to be pushed back by the ever pounding waves. At times through frustration and anger, we swung our arms and paddled our legs viciously in hopes that some progress had been made. As soon as we paused for a brief moment to measure our distance, we were greeted with fierce waves that seemed to overpower us in every way. As these waves crashed into us, they pushed us under and weakened us to the point where we felt as if succumbing to defeat was our only option. With our strength dwindling and our energy exhausted, we finally give in; in complete silence we stop our paddling and our fight as we slowly descend in complete defeat. Some people began their retreat, some called out to their family and friends to help them return to shore, some of us were simply letting the waves take us back with each thrust. As I looked outward to the yacht, I wondered why I even tried when so many had already failed. My heart began to ache as I knew I would never make it to the yacht. As I shut my eyes in disappointment, tear drops find their ways through my eyelids and down onto my cheek. A huge lump appears at my throat and I give out a slight cough to prevent myself from crying. I turn away from the yacht and begin my way back. Then I remembered the person who made it. I remember that person getting swallowed by the wave and then making it to the calmer side. If only I can make it through these turbulent waves, I’d be standing in the yacht. I have to give it another try, I have to give it all I’ve got. I leapt forward back towards the yacht, a guy retreating tells me I’m wasting my time. Another person returning to shore tells me if he couldn’t make it, there’s no way I would. I tune them out and place my focus on the yacht. Nearing the turbulent section, I am greeted yet again by the thunderous waves crashing in my face. Each collision with a wave stung my eyes, plugged my nostrils and sent me back. I kept swinging, placing my focus on the yacht. Just as I got on a pace, a huge wave slams on me. Sea water find their way through my nose and sends burning pain through my brain. I’m fully submerged and getting pulled down as I hold my breath. As I hold my breath, my lungs begin to burn. Knowing that the waves are endless, I knew I would return to the surface to meet another wave crashing down on me. The logical thing was to simply ride the waves back to shore. I refused to give in. My feet finally meets the sea floor and without hesitation, I allowed myself to sink as far as I could to bend my legs and with whatever remaining strength, I exerted myself to the fullest and lunged toward the surface. As soon as the salt water rolled off my face, with my eyes still closed, I gasped for air and continued to swing my arms and paddle my legs ferociously. But something felt different. The swim felt easier. I slowed down my swinging, opened my eyes and noticed I had surpassed the turbulent waves. I made it, I finally made it through the turbulent section. Not too far from me, some people on the yacht tossed a life preserver over. Determined to make it all the way on my own, I swam passed the life preserve and got to the side latter. Students, know that schooling is like the ocean. Each class/course you take is a wave. Some waves are bigger than others. I can’t promise you that there will always be a yacht waiting, but I can promise you things will get easier as you progress. On your journey to the yacht of your choice, you will meet many who will quit, drop out and invite or insist you do the same. Your journey may differ from mine; your destination will differ as well. However, it’s not about how or what it was, it’s about the fact that you did. Go to school, stay in school, journey well, take on the waves and find your yacht.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 07:11:44 +0000
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