I organized a donation drive in November to support refugees in my community through an organization called Friends of Refugees. As temperatures in Georgia began to drop, I recognized a growing need for cold-weather clothing and basic necessities. I decided to take initiative by planning a two-week donation drive focused on collecting coats, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and other essential items that people could donate. I reached out to people in my community, encouraged participation, and coordinated the collection process. Once the donations were gathered, I took responsibility for sorting and organizing everything. I separated clothing by size to make distribution more accessible and created toiletry kits for families to ensure they received practical, ready-to-use items. On a Saturday in December, I distributed the donations directly to the refugees. I arranged the clothing so individuals could choose what fit them best, preserving their dignity and allowing them to choose what they liked. I also made sure that women received feminine hygiene products, recognizing that these necessities are often overlooked but critically important. I also made sure those items were culturally appropriate. In addition to organizing this drive, I have volunteered over 100 hours at my church. For the past two years, I have mentored a group of girls, meeting with them almost every Wednesday night. In this role, I have guided them not only in studying the Bible but also in learning how to navigate life with kindness, grace, and sincerity. We have discussed how to treat others with respect, how to build meaningful relationships, and how to handle challenges with integrity. I have also volunteered at a church camp, where I helped prepare and serve food throughout a demanding weekend. Although the work was physically exhausting, it was an incredibly rewarding experience that brought people together and supported the community and I cannot wait to do it again this year. Leadership through service is important because it emphasizes putting others before yourself and recognizing the value of collective well-being. When leaders actively serve, they set an example that encourages others to contribute and engage in meaningful ways. This type of leadership fosters a positive environment built on empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. It also helps prevent negativity and disconnection by reinforcing a culture where people feel valued and supported. Ultimately, leadership through service creates stronger communities. Whether through organizing a donation drive or mentoring others, serving allows leaders to make a tangible impact while inspiring those around them to do the same. It reminds us that there is more to life than our individual experiences and that by investing in others, we contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

My name is Mackenzie Britt, and I have been a club swimmer for 11 years. Over that time, I have experienced both ends of the sport, from being unable to finish a practice due to breathing complications to standing on the podium as a state champion in the 500 freestyle. Those moments shaped not just the athlete I am, but the perspective I now carry about what swimming is and what it should become. My sophomore year of high school, I was diagnosed with asthma and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). As an endurance athlete, my lungs are everything, and suddenly, they were failing. Practices became frustrating, races became scary, and for a while, I questioned whether I would ever return to the level I once swam at. Fighting my way back into the sport was one of the hardest things I have done. It required patience, discipline, and a level of mental toughness I had not needed before. That experience taught me that talent alone does not carry an athlete; consistency, adaptability, and grit do. At the same time, I was constantly being compared to a teammate who swam the same events and even shared my name. For years, she was always just ahead of me. I responded the only way I knew how: by working harder. I trained with the boys, pushed through every set, and left practice completely exhausted day after day. But effort without intention only got me so far. Over time, I became physically drained, under-fueled, and mentally defeated. Before races, I would lose to her before even stepping on the blocks due to her presence alone. For a long time, I thought the answer was simply to keep doing more because that is what my coach told me. As a result, nothing changed. It wasn’t until this past year that I realized the problem wasn’t how hard I was working, it was how I was taking care of myself outside of the pool. I began focusing on proper nutrition, recovery, and mental balance. I allowed myself to step away from swimming mentally so that it did not negatively consume me. That shift changed everything. At my state meet this past February, I placed 3rd in the 200 freestyle and won the 500 freestyle. I also dropped significant time in both events. That moment wasn’t just about results, but it was proof that a healthier, more balanced approach to training works. It also taught me that mental balance is key in the midst of working hard. It showed me that the way many swimmers are taught to train is not always sustainable or effective. The current swimming system is doing a lot well. It provides structure, competition, and opportunities for athletes to improve. But it also has clear gaps. Too often, the focus is placed almost entirely on volume and output, while recovery, strength training, and mental health are overlooked. This leads to burnout, especially among club swimmers. I have watched talented athletes walk away from the sport not because they lacked ability, but because they were exhausted, physically and mentally. There is also a gap for athletes who fall in the middle. Not every swimmer is immediately elite, but that does not mean they lack potential. Without proper support, guidance, and individualized development, many of those athletes never reach the level they are capable of. I was one of those swimmers for a long time. Some of these athletes even quit altogether after realizing they are being left behind. Swimming should be a sport that builds athletes up, not one that pushes them out. I believe the future of swimming should emphasize longevity, balance, and athlete empowerment. Training should be intentional, incorporating recovery and strength just as much as yardage. Athletes should be educated on how to advocate for themselves, how to recognize when something is not working, and adjust accordingly. Mentally, swimmers should feel supported, not pressured to the point of burnout at a young age. Beyond training, swimming needs to become more accessible and engaging as a sport. Outside of the Olympics, it struggles to maintain attention. That is not because the sport lacks excitement, but because it lacks consistent visibility and storytelling. Creating a system where swimmers can compete at a high level while also building a presence and connection with fans would change that, but we cannot sacrifice opportunities for elite swimmers in the process. This is why Speed League Swimming is needed now. A league creates structure, accountability, and opportunity in ways the current system cannot. It allows for regulation in training environments, promotes athlete well-being, and provides a platform for swimmers to grow not just as competitors but as individuals with voices. It also creates a space where swimming can be consistently showcased, not just every four years. For me personally, a league like this would change everything. I am committed to continuing my swimming career at Purdue University, where I have earned a scholarship. However, that scholarship does not fully cover my expenses, and I still face approximately $27,000 in costs. Financial barriers are a reality for many athletes, and opportunities like Speed League Swimming could help bridge that gap while allowing athletes to continue pursuing their goals at the highest level. As a competitor, I would bring resilience, discipline, and a willingness to adapt. I have learned how to push through setbacks, but more importantly, I have learned how to grow from them. As a voice within the league, I would advocate for a more balanced approach to training and a stronger emphasis on mental health and recovery. I want to help create an environment where athletes can succeed without sacrificing their well-being. Speed League Swimming represents a shift to what this sport can be. It is not just about faster times, but about building a better system for the athletes within it. My experiences: the setbacks, the comparisons, the burnout, and the breakthrough have all prepared me to be part of that change.