http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304 Today is the last day of swim lessons for my daughters. The swim lessons are through Bakersfield Parks &amp; Rec. My 3 1/2 year old has done a complete turn-around. Her instructor Kaitlin led her from 35 minutes of terrified screaming (2 days in a row), to a laughing-screaming, happy child in the pool. The transformation is amazing. I wondered who would take this terrible summer job. Both the girls she&nbsp;started screaming nonstop. I'm a teacher, but I couldn't have tolerated that screaming so close to my ears. Kaitlin was patient, and I can now see why she does swim lessons during the summer. She doesn't get paid very much, but she makes money helping kids love swimming. She explained that she was terrfied of the water when she was young, and a teacher helped her learn to love swimming. When you think all teenagers are nightmares, take a look around. There are some remarkable young people out there, quietly doing very good things in this world. Kaitlin is one of them. I am lucky enough to teach high school, so I see some thoughtful, amazing teens regularly. Pay attention to those around you, and try to see past the obnoxious behavior. You might be pleasantly surprised. &nbsp; Today is the last day of swim lessons for my daughters. The swim lessons are through Bakersfield Parks &amp; Rec. My 3 1/2 year old has done a complete turn-around. Her instructor Kaitlin led her from 35 minutes of terrified screaming (2 days in a row), to a laughing-screaming, happy child in the pool. The transformation is amazing. I wondered who would take this terrible summer job. Both the girls she&nbsp;started screaming nonstop. I'm a teacher, but I couldn't have tolerated that screaming so close to my ears. Kaitlin was patient, and I can now see why she does swim lessons during the summer. She doesn't get paid very much, but she makes money helping kids love swimming. She explained that she was terrfied of the water when she was young, and a teacher helped her learn to love swimming. When you think all teenagers are nightmares, take a look around. There are some remarkable young people out there, quietly doing very good things in this world. Kaitlin is one of them. I am lucky enough to teach high school, so I see some thoughtful, amazing teens regularly. Pay attention to those around you, and try to see past the obnoxious behavior. You might be pleasantly surprised. &nbsp; en-us Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:41:21 PDT <p>My niece loves swim lessons. She takes swim lessons at American Kids Club and her swim teachers, especially Monique, have helped her so much. She went from trying to not let go of her first swim instuctor to currently working on the butterfly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423389 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423389 <p>My niece loves swim lessons. She takes swim lessons at American Kids Club and her swim teachers, especially Monique, have helped her so much. She went from trying to not let go of her first swim instuctor to currently working on the butterfly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am all for teaching moppets to swim. I have yet to hear of one who knows how to swim&nbsp;drowning in a swimming pool.</p> <p>You're right. It does take some fortitude and &quot;tough love.&quot; And patience. Little ones are usually terrified of the water in the beginning.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423427 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423427 <p>I am all for teaching moppets to swim. I have yet to hear of one who knows how to swim&nbsp;drowning in a swimming pool.</p> <p>You're right. It does take some fortitude and &quot;tough love.&quot; And patience. Little ones are usually terrified of the water in the beginning.</p> <p><em><strong><font size="2">Pay attention to those around you, and try to see past the obnoxious behavior. You might be pleasantly surprised.</font></strong></em></p> <p><font size="2">So true... in all aspects of our lives... and in all situations. There are always&nbsp;sparkling gems amongst all of the rocks.</font></p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423786 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/FunInBako/47304/#c_423786 <p><em><strong><font size="2">Pay attention to those around you, and try to see past the obnoxious behavior. You might be pleasantly surprised.</font></strong></em></p> <p><font size="2">So true... in all aspects of our lives... and in all situations. There are always&nbsp;sparkling gems amongst all of the rocks.</font></p>