Page 139 - Unforgettable Memories in Life_Neat

Lakeside Junior High School 137

Where I’m From

By Mickson Riklon

I grew up in the Marshall Islands. Over at the island, there were sandy beaches, nearby

houses, and tall palm trees blowing in the breezy, cool wind. Day and night, no matter the time, it

would sound like a park full of kids screaming and laughing.

One event I remember during my time on the island was when my parents tried to teach

me how to swim. They thought I should fit in with the other kids that know how to swim. They

brought me out to the warm, sandy beach. I was filled with confusion in my head because I

wanted to sleep back home like a hibernating bear. As we stopped near the clear, blue ocean

water, I got picked up and thrown into the deep part of the water. Shocked and confused while in

the air, I soon landed in the water. I started sinking, holding my breath, and paddling my hands

and legs around like a crazy person. I had no luck, so I turned sideways and swam underwater

toward the beach. I made it out, but to this day, I still don’t know how to swim.