We were lucky to catch up with Lashandra Logan recently and have shared our conversation below.
LaShandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
As a child, I enjoyed playing with the water hose on the side of my parents’ house and splashing in the kiddie pool in my parent’s backyard with my big brother and cousins. Despite this being one of my favorite activities during the summer days, I wasn’t a swimmer. Even at the local swimming pool, I hesitated to plunge into waters that were higher than waist-deep and would also make sure my big brother was near anytime I was at the local swimming pools just in case I slipped in the water; he would be able to help me. The fear of drowning was overwhelming. Studies have shown that over 64% of black children have little to no ability to swim. My father wasn’t a strong swimmer, and my mother couldn’t swim; therefore, my brother and I didn’t know how to swim either. Studies have also shown that when an adult in the home doesn’t know how to swim, the child in the home has a 19% chance of learning how to swim. As I grew older, I noticed that many adults in my community also didn’t know how to swim. Learning how to swim became one of my biggest goals, as I was determined to once and for all face my greatest fear. At age 34, I enrolled in swim lessons with a local non-profit organization, Central Adult Learn to Swim, Inc., and started my swim journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Despite my biggest fear of drowning, I was determined to overcome it. My swim instructor was very patient with me at the beginning of my journey, as on the first day of swim class, I was too scared to put my head underwater. I was frightened. The thought of inhaling water into my nose triggered my anxiety as it would give me the feeling of drowning and not being able to catch my breath. However, as the lessons progressed, I gradually improved and learned how to blow out through my mouth and nose while underwater correctly. It was a long and challenging process, but my determination to conquer my fear grew stronger. The feeling of achievement motivated me to learn as much as possible and give back to the community. I pursued various certifications and training, eventually becoming a qualified swim instructor and completing the American Red Cross course Lifeguarding with CPR/ AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. I would later become a Swim Instructor with the same nonprofit organization that taught me how to swim—assisting new students to become comfortable with water and water safety and demonstrating swimming techniques such as floating, breathing, and treading water. All while encouraging them to become confident swimmers.
I have also received recognition for my contribution to helping others learn how to swim while being a contestant in the Miss. Black Kentucky, USA pageant in the Ms Division, I was honored to receive the Ms. Black Kentucky USA Community Service 1st Runner-Up Award in 2023, which aims to honor individuals making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication. During the pageant, I performed a spoken word that I wrote titled “If I Only Knew” as part of my talent segment, focusing on the history and barriers when it comes to swimming in the black community. At the beginning of the year 2024, I was proudly recognized by Central Adult Learn-to-Swim, Inc.. for my services to the Louisville, Kentucky, swimming community as an instructor.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn my old habits and ways of thinking to break free from my mental constraints and embrace faith and belief in myself and the world around me. I
used to feel that it was too late to learn a new skill and that no one would take me seriously. However, my growing belief in myself and the encouragement I received made all the difference.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Not everyone may believe in or support you, but it’s essential to keep going and not give up. The underdog’s journey is inspiring, so keep pushing forward even when it seems complex. By taking this leap of faith, I have shared my story with local news outlets in Louisville, KY, and international platforms such as CNN Business. I’ve been in the underdog’s shoes and know how imposter syndrome can creep in. However, I have constantly reminded myself of my progress since my first day of swim class. Remember, it’s never too late; success is waiting on the other side of fear. Disappointments and setbacks are not roadblocks but crucial elements that build character and create a story that can inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Shandra Logan
- Linkedin: LaShandra Logan
