Sometimes I'm Just Breathing

I have never been a good swimmer. I was that kid that got yelled at by the swim instructor for crying because of the water getting in my eye. Let's face it, chlorine stings.
I remember when I was six or seven and my best friend had a pool party. I didn't want to be the lame kid out so I held on to the edge and laughed and splashed along with everyone else. After some time I got a little more daring and would let go of the wall, thrash about to stay above water, and grab the edge again.
It was on one of these endeavors that I splashed a little too far. My arms got tired and I began to sink. I kept myself at the waterline, far enough up that I could see but no far enough that I could breathe. I was terrified. Swallowing water and reaching for the edge I thought I was going to die. What felt like forever was probably just seconds and I am alive today. The one thing that has not left me from this experience was that feeling, an overwhelming desire for air.

Here I am, at a university, facing my first full week back for Fall Semester. Hour by hour it seems that the homework comes and due dates come faster. I am stuck thrashing about in the water, too scared to let go of the edge for fear that when I do I won't float. Even greater than this fear is the overwhelming desire for air.
There is only way to overcome these fears. Just do it. (Thanks to Nike for that one.)
When you let go of the edge you see what you are made of.
When you let go of the edge, you can sink or swim, it is up to you.

Take a deep breathe and go.