This past spring break, my family took a trip to Hawaii—a bittersweet getaway marking the end of an era. With two high schoolers in the house, including a senior preparing to leave for college, it felt like our last chance to soak in these moments together as a family before life inevitably shifts. For me, the trip held a special mission: I’ve always loved sea turtles but had never seen one in the wild. When we decided to go snorkeling, I was determined to make it happen.
As we boarded the boat under the Hawaiian sun, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of time passing. Watching my senior sibling—on the brink of adulthood—navigate this transformative year has been emotional. It’s a mix of pride, nostalgia, and wonder at how far we’ve come. Little did I know that snorkeling would offer me an unexpected lens through which to reflect on his journey through high school and the daunting process of college admissions.
The Dive: Taking the Plunge
Slipping into the water was exhilarating. The ocean stretched endlessly before me, shimmering with possibility but also mystery. It reminded me of what it must feel like to submit college applications—leaping into the unknown after months (or years) of preparation. There’s excitement in the plunge, but also nerves. Will your hard work pay off? Will you find what you’re searching for?
For my son, this year has been full of those leaps—writing essays, choosing schools, and pressing “submit” on applications that represent years of effort and growth. Watching him take those steps has been inspiring but also humbling; it’s a reminder that no matter how much you prepare, there’s always uncertainty ahead.
The Search: Navigating the Ocean
Once underwater, I began scanning for signs of life—colorful fish darting past coral reefs, shadows moving in the distance. But spotting a sea turtle wasn’t easy. It required patience and persistence, swimming through currents and focusing on every detail. In many ways, this mirrored my son’s journey through high school. The search for success wasn’t always straightforward; there were challenges along the way—tough classes, moments of self-doubt, and figuring out where he truly belonged.
College admissions felt like the culmination of that search. Just like snorkeling requires you to trust that your efforts will eventually lead to something extraordinary, applying to colleges demands faith in yourself and your path.
The Encounter: Finding the Sea Turtle
And then it happened—a sea turtle appeared out of nowhere, gliding effortlessly through the water. I froze in awe as it swam beside me, its movements calm yet purposeful. This moment felt magical because it wasn’t just about seeing a turtle; it was about everything that led up to it—the preparation, patience, and persistence paying off.
For my son, receiving an acceptance letter from his dream school felt just as surreal. It was proof that all those late nights studying and carefully crafted essays had led to something meaningful—a new chapter filled with possibility.
The Reflection: Cherishing the Journey
As I floated there watching the turtle disappear into the distance, I realized how much snorkeling had taught me about life—and about my son’s journey through high school and college admissions. It’s not just about reaching your goal; it’s about appreciating everything that leads you there—the hard work, setbacks, and even moments of doubt.
This year has been full of reflections like this for our family. Watching my son grow into someone ready to take on new challenges has been both emotional and rewarding. Just as snorkeling gave me time to pause and marvel at nature’s beauty, this season has reminded me to savor these fleeting moments before they change forever.
Lessons from Snorkeling (and High School)
- Preparation Matters: Whether you’re packing for a dive or building your application portfolio, preparation sets the foundation for success.
- Patience is Key: Both snorkeling and college admissions require persistence; great things often take time.
- Embrace Uncertainty: The best discoveries – like spotting a sea turtle or finding your dream school – often come when you least expect them.
- Celebrate Milestones: Whether it’s swimming alongside a turtle or opening an acceptance letter, take time to appreciate how far you’ve come.
As we left Hawaii at the end of our trip, I realized how much this experience mirrored my son’s journey—and maybe even mine in some ways. Life is full of transitions and unknowns, but if you dive in with curiosity and courage, you’ll find moments of wonder waiting just beneath the surface.
