Midseason Milestones: From the Pool to New Jersey, Obstacles & Goodbyes - Week 13

What a week! The biggest competition of my first semester, Midseason, is finally behind me, and I’m now on my way to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with a teammate’s family. Even though I couldn’t compete on the final day, I still managed to post some of my fastest times ever during the meet. I can’t complain, but there’s always that desire to swim even faster.

The week started with a much-needed rest day on Monday for the swim team, though I was still sick and couldn’t practice anyway. Tuesday brought more of the same, and I started to worry that I wouldn’t be well enough to compete at Midseason. By Wednesday, I felt slightly better but wasn’t planning to join the morning practice. However, coach insisted, and in hindsight, I think it was the right call. Surprisingly, I felt decent in the water and decided to compete. Later that day, we left for the meet.

The competition kicked off Thursday, but it was bittersweet as my Swedish teammate decided to return home early. He’d been struggling mentally and felt it was best to leave. While I’ll miss him, it’s a relief to see his spirits lift after making this decision. During the meet, Arvid and I decided to explore the high school campus where we were competing. Feeling hungry but not wanting a full meal before racing, we stumbled across a little half-fine-dining spot nearby. We ordered two starters to share, filling up just enough without overdoing it. It was a fun and lighthearted experience—almost like a farewell meal before he returns to Sweden. Moments like these make me grateful for the friendships I’ve built here.

By the end of Friday, my health had taken a turn for the worse. On Saturday, I made the tough call to sit out and focus on recovering. Instead, I stayed at the hotel and cheered my teammates on during finals. Sharing a hotel bed with Arvid probably didn’t help either of us—we were both feeling under the weather by the end. Sorry, Arvid!

Sunday marked the start of a new adventure. We drove to New Jersey, where I met my teammate’s warm and welcoming family. Dinner with them was the perfect start to the Thanksgiving break. Saying goodbye to Arvid, however, was tough, knowing he’ll leave before I return to campus. Thankfully, Sweden isn’t too far away, and I hope to catch up with him when I’m back home someday.

With my first week-long break ahead, I’m both excited and a little nervous. It’s my first trip to a big city in another country without my dad, but I’m ready to embrace the experience.