“From our friend Colleen, 2018 Graduate, who shares her experience with others who may be fearful of trying something new. What Colleen shares with us will make a difference for so many children. We do recognize and work with those students challenged by more than just daily stressors of being a teenager.

“In the beginning when I had first found out about the program I was pretty excited to hear that I was going to be in because I like boating, sounds like a lot of fun. The idea of getting through day one and going home and being just worn out after being really afraid that I wouldn’t be able to continue because I might get sick or if I can’t do the swimming or if I can’t even stand up on the stand up paddle board. I convinced myself that I am not gonna be able to, but I did! I continued trucking through. I was thinking I just want to do this. I want to accomplish it because I was already here and I thought I’m already doing this. I’m going to see it through to the end.

And then I get through the classroom work, I’ve passed my test and now we’re out here on the water and the first thing that I’m assigned to do is drive a power boat. I was very afraid of that. I was thinking that I should not be trusted with this I’m gonna crash it we’re going to sink. I had so much anxiety I was so afraid with asthma and being sick and everything it’s terrifying but I got out there and I got to feel like the wind in the breeze and someone was already driving it before I got to. That helped. I thought it’s just that I want to do this so much. When I got to steer I picked it up so fast. I finished before I knew it and it was just amazing. I feel like I could’ve done that all day. I can’t wait to do that again. I’m going to say kayaking was a different experience. I ran out of breath. My arms and hips got tired but it was still a lot of fun. But, you know even if I was getting wet every 2 seconds it was ok. OK, I’m just mostly, like if you have any challenges in your life whether it be physical or mental or emotional you must try and overcome things, because I have had to wear braces in order to keep myself up properly. I had trouble on the stand up paddle board but I recognized that. That was something I can’t do so I didn’t force myself to do it but that’s not stopping me from sitting on the board and paddling.

If you’re afraid that you’re going to tip the boat over into the water if that happens you’ve got instructors and people here who care about you and want to protect you and nothing that’s here is going to hurt you because you’re doing this safely and with knowledge you’ve gained first.

This program makes me feel so good. I love to go on the water. It’s so scary and so beautiful all at the same time. Don’t over think the waves wind. Trust. Trust yourself and your instructors.

If the boat has a problem. Trust you’ll get back. After you take the course you know what to expect. Trust yourself and your knowledge. and I trust in my instructors. If you’re put yourself down you’ll never trust in your ability. Don’t be afraid to tell others what your challengers are. They have to know. Asthma, physical problems or whatever they are, tell someone. They will help you! Tell all always. Don’t be embarrassed no one will ridicule you for your issues. If someone is going to make fun of you they aren’t worth being around.

Think better of yourself!”

ColleenSpirit of America graduate