Evie Gardener has hated the beach since childhood.

“I hated the sand, and I was scared of animals in the deep sea that I didn’t know about,” the sophomore confessed.

However, just because Gardener wasn’t a fan doesn’t mean her family wasn’t. So, as a child, she would routinely join them at the beach.

This served as a form of exposure therapy: “I used to hate the beach so much, but eventually, I would take vacations with my family, and I started to love it, just from being there so much and being near the ocean,” Gardener said.

Her experiences with the beach have changed her outlook on life, and she suggests that others approach their fears with a similar view.

“I think that trying new things and having experiences is the only real way to make bonds with other people and learn more about yourself,” Gardener said. “Now I love the beach because I associate it with fun memories with my family, stress-free vacations, and great weather during the summertime.”