Diving into the deep end II: Head first into the real world Published May 6, 2016 By Laci Clark Lakenheath High School student, Class of 2016 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- No chance, no way, I won't say it. I won't say goodbye, but, instead, see you later Barracudas! There's no chance I'm saying goodbye to swimming forever, but since this is my last year in high school, I must say farewell. Last February, I competed in my final high school meet. The 2016 European Forces Swim League Spring championships brought a bittersweet end to the Barracuda swim season. It's been an incredible experience here, with unforgettable people, spectacular places and cherish-able moments. Joining a swim team is more than just trying out for a sport, auditioning for a play, or signing up for a school club; it's like becoming part of a new family. I joined the Barracudas my sophomore year and I've enjoyed every moment of it. The military aspect of it can be challenging since moving is a constant theme in our lives, but as I look back, it is makes the Barracudas so unique and special compared to stateside teams. Every year, people move in and move out, but the team here has always remained an inseparable family of swimmers, coaches, parents and volunteers. Once a Barracuda, always a Barracuda. Oxygen is definitely overrated here, and the smell of chlorine is undoubtedly something I will miss. We swim around Europe pool by pool, and race lane by lane. We are a small, but mighty team, and despite our size, we always place with the top teams. The Barracudas compete with determination, confidence, and strength and the results prove it. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are three things I will take away from my high school swimming experience. I say hard work because it takes real strength to be a swimmer. The season is longer than any other sport, we train at least five to six times a week, and, then, compete against other schools across Europe once a month. The practice is undoubtedly intense, but I've learned that the results are always worth it. Dedication, because it takes real commitment. Competitive swimming is an "all or nothing" choice you have to be willing to make. Over the years, I've had to make countless sacrifices for swimming, since it doesn't leave much time for anything else. Trying to manage my time in the pool, in class studying, extracurriculars, and maintaining a social life has always been a constant challenge. Finally, perseverance because you have to be mentally strong to be a swimmer. You have to fight and push to go faster when you feel like you can't swim anymore, and refuse to give up even if your body gives out. There's no better feeling of accomplishment than making that qualifying or goal time. All the hard work I did in practice completely paid off at the meets, and I accomplished things in the pool that I never thought I could've before. I made the impossible possible. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance will help me as I head off to college and live life on my own. I can now apply what I've learned on the swim team to other aspects of my life. Competitive swimming has strengthened and developed my character, and has given me life- long lessons that I will pursue in the future. Although my experiences on various swim teams over the years have taught me countless things, the Barracudas have shown me the world. I will never forget my experiences here; traveling Europe, claiming the under-dogs title, and building unbreakable relationships with the team. I will always remember the Barracudas as a part of my family and keep them close to my heart as I move on to the next chapter of my life. Thanks for the memories, Lakenheath Barracudas!