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When I was young I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Back then it was not understood, and my parents kept me from physical activities. When I started going to the "Y" I played volleyball. I gained confidence. Eventually I got into the pool. I was unsure about it but my friends pushed me to do more.
I taught myself to swim underwater first and then above. I gained more and more confidence. One day my friends were pushing me to go off the high dive. They said, "Jump, Rodney! Jump, Rodney!" I was scared, but I climbed up and looked around. I said, "Wow, it is really high up here!" I walked to the edge. All my friends kept saying, "Jump, Rodney! Jump, Rodney!" I decided to jump. I hit the water, came up, and swam to the edge. It was one of the best feelings I have ever had of accomplishment.
I gained a lot of confidence that day. I did something I never did before at the YMCA. Don't take away the opportunity for these kids to gain confidence at the YMCA.
