Community Reflection

To me, a community is a group of people who share similar interests and support each other no matter what. It’s not just about always being around the same group of people—it’s about forming real connections with those who get you and want to see you do well. A good community is full of encouragement and trust. It’s a place where you can be yourself and know that others will have your back.

The community that has had the biggest impact on me is my swim team. I’ve been on the same club team for four years now. We all share the same love for swimming, and that’s helped us grow close. My teammates are some of my best friends. We cheer each other on before and after races, and we support one another during tough times. Even when I have a bad race or miss a personal best time, My coaches are a big part of this community, too. They push me to work harder, help me improve, and always believe in me—even when I’m doubting myself.

Being part of this team has helped me become more focused and motivated by teaching me how to set goals, stay disciplined during long practices, and push through setbacks. Waking up early for practice and sticking to a training plan taught me the importance of commitment, even on days when I felt tired or discouraged. It’s made a difference in how I deal with challenges, and I’m glad I’ve had people around me who want to help me improve.

In the future, I plan to build my community by surrounding myself with people who share similar interests and goals. Being on a swim team has shown me how strong connections can form through shared experiences, challenges, and teamwork. I want to keep that going by staying involved in swimming, whether it’s competing, practicing, or being part of a team environment. One way I hope to build community is by helping younger swimmers improve, just like my coaches and teammates did for me, since they took the time to encourage and make me feel like I belonged.