A Bigger Word for Nervous That I Didn’t Even Know

Winnie Jalet, age 11

Tappan Middle School

I was nervous as I got up to the block. Thoughts raced through my head like tiny race cars on a track called “my brain.”

I was at the pool in Carmel, Indianapolis. This pool was special. It was the pool where they held olympic trials. I had almost a year to practice for this meet and a week’s worth of tapering. I had worked for this. I had earned this.

I stepped up to the block, my body shaking like a massage chair that you see at the mall. I was nervous, wait, more than nervous. A bigger word for nervous that I didn’t even know.

I reassured myself, it was only a fifty breaststroke. “I’ve swam a million of these,” I said to myself. 

The pool was where I worked my magic. I was a magician in a knee skin. “Take your marks,” said the meet official.

I stood on the block as still as a tree branch. I positioned myself on the block “GO!” I launched myself off the block and was ready for whatever would come.

Would You Rather

Winnie Jalet, age 11
Tappan Middle School

Hi,

My name is Winnie. I have something to say. Have you ever thought about how pro athletes get paid more than people who are going to save your life, like firefighters, policemen, and women?

Let’s play a game of would you rather. Would you rather have a firefighter come and save your life, or have Miami Heat win their next basketball game? If you’re like me, you would want a firefighter to come and save your life when you need them.

So ask yourself: Why can’t WE change this?

-Winnie