Swimming, being the demanding sport that it is, requires both a positive attitude and a goal driven mindset. In the middle of the season, when one is enduring one difficult set after another it becomes easy to lose motivation. During those times I try to be the teammate that encourages those around me and brings an exuberant energy. Not that I don't sometimes catch myself complaining about a set. Aside from my in pool goals for the upcoming year, one of my goals is to find motivation in the competitive joy shared between myself and my teammates. Enjoying their company will help me to accomplish my racing goals by giving each practice and race a greater purpose. Overall, swimming has taught me what it means to be a good leader and has propelled my growth into the person I am today.