✍︎ Jayson Acabo
“Face your fears, or your fears will face you.” This powerful phrase, said by one of my classmates, deeply reflects the reactions of our co-majors during our water rescue safety orientation last April 11, 2026.
Some of our fellow co-majors had water-related traumas—such as drowning, hypothermia, slips, and falls—from past experiences that were triggered by yesterday’s activity. Some broke down after doing the plunge; others felt doubtful as their anxiety kicked in. But what is most amazing is that they managed to overcome their fears—they did it even while they were afraid.
Freeing yourself from the traumas of the past is important, as they can hinder your life in the future. In order to overcome them, you will likely need to face the greatest fears brought about by these experiences. I know that doing this can be very scary, but you don’t have to face it alone; there will always be someone by your side, ready to support and guide you throughout your journey of conquering your fears.
Looking back, our water rescue safety orientation was a great opportunity, and it instilled in me a powerful realization that I will carry throughout my life. To end this column, I’d like to leave a quote by Susan Jeffers that I hope everyone reading this will remember: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
