The Cheer “GO BLUE!” echoed across the pool as our team huddled in a circle around our swim coach. The swimmers assigned to the 200 Meter Individual Medley Relay headed nervously for the blocks. I had never imagined myself swimming the 200 IM right off the bat, especially in the first meet of the season. I had been afraid of swimming the 200 IM since the day I was assigned to the event, but there was no feeling that could compare to knowing that this dreaded event was only minutes away.

Deep down, I knew that I should give it a shot, but every time I tried to muster up the courage, a mirage of all the possible things that could go wrong flashed through my mind. At the last minute, and with the encouragement of my coaches, I decided to go through with the event.

As I dove off the block at the start of the race, I didn’t remember thinking. All I could remember from that race was executing my flip turns, all my friends and coaches cheering and, especially, stretching out my hand to touch the wall at the end of the race. I was out of breath, but finishing the race had been worth every ounce of effort. Having successfully completed the event, I was glad that I had not given into my fears.

We hear the phrases “Don’t worry about it” and “It’s going to be okay” more times than we can count. However, no matter how many times we hear these reassurances, we still find ourselves worrying when a new challenge is on the horizon. In many cases, this sense of fear and dread does not leave us until the stressful task is over.

At Andover, we have plenty to worry about. That Chemistry test next Tuesday, the big basketball game this weekend and the piles of unfinished homework to do tonight all contribute to our stress. Andover provides us with many things to worry about, and even though this is unavoidable, we must not let these fears paralyze us in the face of our goals.

We must learn to push through these barriers of insecurities. It is in our nature to worry. Worrying is a sign that we care about the outcome, that we have standards for ourselves. However, we cannot allow worrying to consume our lives. To forfeit an opportunity due to a case of butterflies would be a waste. Because, when it comes down to it, we have nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.

Ada Li is a Junior from Reading, MA.