Letter From the President

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

I grew up on a farm outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. I come from a long line of farmers all the way back to Scotland and Ireland. It is a simple life. Hard work and adversity that is contrasted with the satisfaction of planting your crops and harvesting them in the fall. At this time of year, the fields are being plowed in preparation of planting the seeds of a new harvest. It is a time of hope and anticipation. Hope is a choice. The work done now will take months to bear fruit. A farmer could decide there might be a drought so why do the work. But when there is no drought; the farmer’s fields will sit barren. Will you plant or wait to see what happens?

“When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Eleanor Roosevelt So where does this grit come from? The ability to find the energy to not only survive but to come out on the other side better. The answer is that it comes from you, derived from everything you hold dear, it defines you. Grasp this life force within you and you will have the hope to dream your biggest dream and never give up. Use hope to fuel your life according to your core essence. Hope is an active mindset cutting through the fog and uncertainty in our lives. Hope is your choice to triumph over fear. Slaying the dark forces that will stop you from completing your dream. Who we really are is based upon the values that we live by. Such as, believing in possibility, believing in the goodness of others, and believing in the power of love. So, embrace hope. Be grateful for what you have. Live your dreams. JOHN KIRK

JOHN KIRK

President US Swim School Association