Meet Swim Instructor: Rachel Sheppard
Where do you live/from?
I'm from Hemet, California, and I'm currently living there.
Please share your favorite swimming/lifeguarding memory (if it pertains to your picture, please share the story of the picture)
My favorite swimming memory was doing a one-mile ocean swim in Corona Del Mar. It was a foggy spring morning, and the water was so chilly that I froze up. It was challenging trying to warm up and keep swimming. My friend, Bailey, swam by my side the entire time, so we pushed each other to make it for the full mile, instead of turning back after the first and second lap. It was rewarding being able to swim back to shore after making the entire mile, especially since I don't swim in the ocean very often.
What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been swimming?
One of the most beautiful places I've been swimming is Lake Arrowhead. I love the mountains, and you're surrounded by them. It's very scenic and quiet up there.
What is your favorite hobby, what do you do for fun?
One of my favorite hobbies is going on hikes. I love being surrounded by nature and exploring new places, especially with friends and family. I'm also an animal lover, so I'm usually playing with my dog, cat, and guinea pig. Journaling is also a hobby of mine because it's therapeutic writing your thoughts onto paper.
Growing up, what was your dream job?
Growing up, my dream was to become an actress. I took acting classes and used to audition for television roles, too. I continued to participate in acting classes in college and minored in Theatre Arts.
What do you enjoy most about The Swimming Swan?
I most enjoy partaking in swimmers' progress. Teaching swimming is very gratifying, and it's enjoyable watching students execute new skills that they previously thought they wouldn't be able to do. I also enjoy building relationships with swimmers and their families.
What is your favorite food?
Pancakes are my favorite food. I love breakfast!
What would be your theme music/background music to your life?
Coldplay's music would be playing in the background of my life. X&Y is my favorite album by them.
Who are your real-life heroes and why?
My real-life heroes are schoolteachers. They go through in-depth training, they're intelligent, and they have immense patience. They have so much to share, and they truly care about all their students.
What is the best advice you have heard and give?
The best advice I've heard is that if something is easy, then everyone would do it. It's a good reminder to stick the tough things out—it's usually worth it at the end, and it's something not everyone could accomplish.
This article is brought to you by: The Swimming Swan