Quote by Elizabeth Rosner, "The New York

Twenty-five years ago, while an undergraduate at Stanford, I got a job on campus as a lifeguard, deepening a love of swimming and water that has lasted throughout my life. I took the duties seriously and studied the swimmers with professional vigilance, relieved at the end of each day that no emergency rescue had been required. But the greatest challenge of the job was standing poolside in a bathing suit with my body on display.Work began in the locker room, where I changed into my Speedo and surveyed my reflection, assessing what would be on view for the next few hours. I was plagued by self-criticism. I imagined the swimmers judging my shape, until I made myself remember that I was there to guard their lives, not their fantasies. Later I performed my variation of the same ablutions everyone else did, showering and hair washing, the application of lotion and makeup -- preparations for re-entering the other world of walking upright on solid land.

Summary

This quote reflects the personal experience of the author working as a lifeguard at Stanford. The quote highlights the internal struggle the author faced regarding body image while wearing a bathing suit on display. The author admits to undergoing self-criticism and worrying about the judgment from swimmers regarding their physical appearance. However, they remind themselves that their primary role is to protect lives, emphasizing the importance of their job rather than worrying about others' perceptions. Ultimately, the quote sheds light on the author's journey of self-acceptance and the realization of the value they contribute as a lifeguard.