Sharks.

Sometimes, high school feels like you are floating in an ocean just waiting to see where you end up. Often times, you feel as if you need a life-preserver, yet there is open water all around, and you must find the strength you did not have to keep yourself afloat. You might think that the longer you are exposed to this new terrain, the better you get at it. However, this is not the case because high school has new challenges hidden behind every wave.

Treading water is exhausting. Above everything else, not being able to take a break is one of the hardest things about it. Life preservers do come, every once in a while, falling off of ships labeled "snow days" or "summer break". Life preservers only last so long, never long enough as it always seems, but you should be grateful for them. They help you float but what they cannot protect you from, is the vast, unknown, immensity that lies underneath you. 

Sharks for instance. Just as deadly by itself as it is when followed by others. They feed not only on your fear, but also your tears, your feelings of hopelessness, and your struggling to keep afloat. These sharks are very intimidating. They are good at being what they are, sharks. They have to be, in order for them to maintain their control in the sea. They are able to get inside your mind, making you question every single move you make. Terrifying you into believing that any move you make might be the last, forcing you to be still while they circle you. In the moment, sharks seem as if they will never go away. However, as crazy as this sounds, they do get bored and move on. The best shark repellent that I have found so far comes in a can labeled "just start laughing", in case you ever feel as if you are the shark bait this week.

JSL