Jpimentel_RevisedShortStoryandReflection_121023

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Rasmussen College *

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G201

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English

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfSardineMaster1030

1 Original Short Story Jasmine Pimentel Rasmussen College COURSE#: G201/CRW2001 Section 01 Creative Writing Vicki Phillips 12/10/23

2 The Courage to Swim In the small town of Bloomington, Eliana Flores was a sophomore student. She loved swimming. In the year of 1986, everything changed in a traumatic water-related incident at the local beach. From that day on, she developed an intense fear of water. This affects her physically as she avoids swimming and water-related activities. Still, it also sets her back in her social life as often some of her classmates bully her about her phobia. As the beginning of 2000 school is in session, Eliana finds out she has to take swimming as one of her school curricula. Some didn’t understand her struggle and were not supportive. Eliana felt that her struggle with her fear of water intensified each time she had to go to that class. Despite her best efforts to avoid the pool, her teacher, Ms.Jackson, recognizes that Eliana needs help and begins to take it as a mission to help Eliana overcome that fear. Eliana decides to trust her teacher, Ms.Jackson. One crisp summer day, Ms. Jackson stumbled upon a minor, rusty key hidden beneath a pile of forgotten books while cleaning the school's storage room. She says to herself. “Hm, I wonder where this key goes too.” Curious about what might be locked, she investigates and discovers that it belongs to a small, secluded pool on the school premises—realizing this could be an opportunity to help Eliana. Ms.Jackson devised a plan to restore the pool and used it to guide Eliana back to her former self. Ms. Jackson had the help of the school faculty and students to help clean that neglected pool. Everyone was investing their time and resources to help create a safe and welcoming space for Eliana to overcome her fear. The once-neglected pool was transformed into something better. It was filled with encouragement, bright color decorations, and inspiring messages and quotes from different classmates.

3 At first, Eliana was apprehensive. She had avoided all contact with water since that traumatic day at the beach. However, as time passed, Ms. Jackson gently encouraged her, and she slowly began to open up and confront her fears. She began to have worries. She told Ms. Jackson, “ Do you really think I will overcome this fear” as she stared into her eyes. Ms. Jackson looked at her, replying “ Oh dear, if all you know, it takes a small step to start and to move forward”. As Eliana listened, she thought within herself, and she started with small steps, dipping her toes into the water at the pool's shallow end. As each day went by, she gradually built up her confidence. Ms. Jackson's consistent support and kindness of her classmates gave Eliana the courage to push herself beyond her comfort zone. She was so amazed at how far she had come. Telling Ms. Jackson, “ Thank you for believing in me when no one has and pushing me to that one step” Little by little, weekly, Eliana's progress became more noticeable each time. She started to swim short distances, then longer, until she found herself swimming effortlessly through the water again. The school watched in amazement as Eliana transformed, conquering her fears gracefully and resiliently from the once-negative peers to the concerned faculty. Everyone began to admire Eliana's courage, strength, and determination. Her newfound confidence reflected in her improved academic and social life, and she was becoming admired by everyone. As the school year drew to a close, Ellie's story had become an inspiring tale that resonated with everyone in Bloomington. She had not only found her way back to the water but had also found a deeper connection with her community. In the process, she discovered the true meaning of courage, empathy, and the unwavering support of those who believe in her. In the end, Eliana conquered her fear of water and emerged as a better person. The once-

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