Meet Meriel and Claress! Meriel is 14 and Claress is 13. They have been best friends since they met at swim camp last year. Both girls started swim camp at the same time last year and have made sure that they are by each other's side since. Meriel and Claress chat with Meg Griffin. Meg shares, " I have to say that they are the sweetest of girls. They just had so much love for each other and the other kids in swim camp, and they expressed how much they value the experiences that they are having and sharing together!"
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Meg: Hi! How is your day going?
Claress: Great!
Meg: So, how long are you guys here at swim camp?
Meriel: I am here for three weeks, so next week is my last week.
Claress: I am here for the rest of the summer! We try to plan to make sure we are here for the same weeks. So, I'm glad we got to be together for the weeks that Meriel is here!
Meg: Awesome! So you guys became friends when you got here last year?
Meriel: Yeah, I remember looking around on my first day and going up to Claress and introducing myself. I was so glad I found her.
Claress: Yeah, I was too. And from there we formed a "squad," that includes Emily, Christoph, Nate, and Ian. We even have a group chat and everything.
Meg: That's so great that you all got close.
Meriel: Yeah, we just have formed this really cool camaraderie among our lane over the past two years. During the Friday meets, we always get a little competitive towards each other but we all know it's just a joke and it helps to push each other. Even during daily practice, we motivate each other to keep going and try our best. All year, I just can't wait to get back to be with my friends at swimming camp.
Claress: Yeah I agree, we really push each other to work harder when we're at camp together. I remember my time for my 25 freestyle was 6 whole seconds longer last summer than it is now. I think that a lot of that is because of Kate (the swim director) and also that extra push from my supportive friends.
Meriel: Yeah totally. And we don't judge each other. If we don't get great times, we still just cheer each other on. Everyone is really good-natured.
Meg: Wow you guys seem so sweet and supportive of your friends. I've gotta come to this meet on Friday! So do you guys plan on swimming in high school? Or do you swim outside of school?
Meriel: Yeah, I swim for a team during the year.
Claress: Same
Meriel: But I am also going to try out for my high school team this upcoming year.
Meg: So, how do you think swimming camp compares to the swimming you do during the year?
Meriel: I definitely think that there is much more individualized attention at camp. The coaches will help me work on what I need specifically, as opposed to just doing drills for a certain amount of hours.
Claress: Camp really pushes me to do my best. We really focus on stroke technique and as Meriel said, it is more individualized attention which is really helpful.
Meg: I'm glad that you guys are really seeing yourselves as improving, while also having fun! So, what else are you guys up to when you're not swimming?
Claress: I like to do Taekwando, I have my black belt.
Meriel: Woah really? I don't want to mess with you Claress, haha. Swimming is my main thing, but I also do a lot of model UN. I know it seems nerdy, but I love it.
Meg: That's so great. You two are such great girls! Thanks so much for talking to me, I hope I see you around camp!
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Image Credit: Future Stars Camps
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