I’m from the heat of South Texas, where warmth is constant and familiar. The idea of plunging into cold water doesn’t come naturally to me — every instinct says resist. I hesitate at the edge, toes curled against the shock I know is coming.
But while I may resist the plunge myself, I’m drawn to the people who don’t. There’s something magnetic about the split second between fear and exhilaration — the sharp inhale, the laughter that follows, the shared courage in doing something uncomfortable together. That’s where I find my place: not in the water, but behind the lens.
I get to capture the joy, the bravery, the wild freedom of that cold-water moment without having to fumble frozen fingers into layers or brace against the sting of air on soaked skin.
A student swims through the cold water of Occom Pond on Feb. 6.
A member of the Hanover Fire Department supervises students preparing to partake in the Polar Bear Swim. HFD was one of many agencies on scene ensuring that students participated in the Feb. 6 event safely.
Mason Capone '27 embraces a friend after completing the Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 6.
A local fire department member holds on to the safety rope they attach to each participant. The rope enables volunteers to more easily access participant in case of an emergency.
A line of students prepare to jump into Occom Pond as part of the Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 6.
Two students high-five their friend in celebration after completing the Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 6.
Students rush to put socks and shoes over their cold, damp feet following the Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 6.
Students take pictures while waiting in line to complete the Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 6.
Alesandra Gonzales is the Photo and Multimedia Editor for The Dartmouth from south Texas, majoring in psychology with a minor in film. Outside of The D, she likes to workout, watch The Ranch, and do EMS work. She is a licensed EMT in three states.
