The Slow Lane

Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happened in the future, how would you react?


I'm going to be honest. My mom has not been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, my best friend has never jumped off the Sears Tower, and I am not scheduled to compete in the Olympic Games while sporting a missing leg, two broken arms, and a lazy eye. For once, unfortunately, it seems that I have to describe myself as a "normal kid." So when I asked my dad if he could think of any amazing and incredible feat where I valiantly rose above all odds, all he could say was "swimming." At first, I found no relief in his one-word answer-until I took a moment to think about his simple response.

From ages seven to ten, I participated on a summer swim team. I was a horrible swimmer. Absolutely, utterly, undeniably, embarrassingly horrible. Despite this obvious truth, I'd set my alarm for 7am every day and, in-between yawns, get ready for practice. I would strut confidently to the pool area with my gigantic blue and white swim bag draped over my shoulder, squeeze on a swim cap, fiddle with my goggles, and finally slide into a pool of water fit for polar bears. Now before you slap on your sympathy face for this poor young girl desperately trying to find a place to fit in, please take note that I was quite a...

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