������Ƶ

Truth be told, I never learned how to swim… I know, we live on an island surrounded by water. My friends attempted to teach me how to swim one day and I noticed how many life lessons you can derive from just learning how to swim.

Like facing any daunting task for the first time, I was anxious, scared, intimidated, and I was vulnerable even though I had friends by my side. In spite of my fear, what mattered was that I had the courage to jump in and let my whole body be submerged in ice-cold water. Goethe said, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic.” I agree, having courage to face difficulty is the first step to initiating a mission.

Once I was committed to learn how to swim, the next step was simply learning how to float, kick, and paddle. After many mistakes and gulps of water, I began to improve my strokes. It was important that I have the patience to practice my strokes to have the right angle of my arms and the right rhythm and motion. I just had to remember to take a breath once in a while.

After a while, a little voice in my head starts saying, “I can’t do it anymore. I’m tired. My legs ache. I’m going to drown. I quit.” Will Smith advised, “All you have to do is learn how to defeat that voice and you will learn how not to quit when things get hard.” I took his advice and kept kicking, while knowing physical pain is worth a sacrifice.

Graduates, you can either sink or swim, in life. Do not stay in the shallow water; you will not get far. I ask you to be swimmers. Be courageous, committed, patient, and when things get hard, do not give up.

About the author: Ritchel Erice was a valedictorian at Leilehua High School in Wahiawa.