![Leaving the Shallow End](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f52d5ad9fd4ca174a53b97f/afe8ab51-aca3-45ec-a308-7473f09e6aa2/zen-photographer-343571-unsplash.jpg)
Leaving the Shallow End
"You're late. Jump in." My 8th-grade teacher pointed to the deep end of the swimming pool. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words became lost in fear. Clutching the towel around my awkward, shivering body, I walked to the edge of the pool and scanned its co-ed contents, looking for a friendly face. Surely, someone would come to my rescue and invite me to join them in the shallow end…