Sorry, ANOTHER breathing post HELP

Try slowing down.  Waaayyyyy dooooowwwwwwnnnnnnnn.  

You should exhale while your face is in the water, and get a quick breath of air when you rotate to the side.  I suggest you try humming as that will force the air out your nose and keep water from entering your nose.  

Keep in mind, "normal breathing" doesn't force out all the air in your lungs.  You've probably been to the doctor and had to breathe deeply 5-10 times in a row while (s)he listens to your lungs...that's hard.  That's also NOT what you want to do while swimming.  (Imagine for a moment, you've deeply exhaled and as you turn to get some more air, a wave fills your face and mouth with water...you'll end up gasping and panicky.)  If you're breathing normally and that happens, you simply put your face back in the water, take another stroke, and try for another breath.  

you do not need to fully empty your lungs. the amount you need to breathe in and out is controlled by effort.  try slowing down.

How long have you been swimming?

This sounds more like a technique issue than a specific breathing issue.  If your technique isn't good, you are likely swimming anaerobically.  That's gonna make you feel like you can't catch your breath. Depending upon where your technique is at, slowing down may or may not help.  If you are beating the water into submission, no amount of slowing down will fix the "out of breath" feeling.  If your technique is good, then the limiter to swimming continuously becomes fitness, not breathing.

Might be time to consider a couple more lessons.

This is nice to be able to do, but fixing the original issue is way more important. It shouldn't be too hard to work it back in later.

This kind of reinforces the point I made in my earlier post in response to the OP.  12:04/quarter mile works out to ~ 2:43/100y.  That pace says your technique is the problem  NOT your breathing.  Sure, you could in all likelihood breath better but your technique is causing you to become anaerobic - thus feel like you can't catch your breath.  It's also why you "were exhausted for the rest of the race."

To no one in particular - if you want to become more proficient in the water focus on proper technique.  Get a couple lessons from a QUALIFIED coach or instructor.  You should be swimming 25's and 50's early on.  Don't worry about swimming "long," that will come in due time.  As your technique improves and you are no longer beating the water into submission you will lose the "out of breath" feeling.