Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton continues to surf today (http://makenziesmind.blogspot.com/)

As Mahatma Ghandi, an Indian campaigner once said, "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will." Not having the physical capacity, didn't stop teen surfer Bethany Hamilton when she had her left arm severed in a 2003 shark attack. "Bethany Hamilton, was born on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany began surfing at a young age. She became one of the country's top female amateur surfers, by the age of thirteen. While surfing with friends at Tunnels Reef Bethany was bitten by a 14- to 15- foot tiger shark, the most dangerous species in Hawaii. She lost her Left arm in the attack... Bethany Hamilton was attacked by the shark in 2003 when she was only thirteen years old." (Brown) Hamilton, like any other teenage girl dreamed of growing up to be something great, but all her aspirations were put on hold when a shark attacked her. As a teenage girl, the world expected Hamilton to back down and never surf again. But, just a mere month later she returned to surfing again. The world became shocked by her amazing rebound, and she soon became a symbol of determination and courage everywhere. Her amazing recovery had made the news as teen Bethany Hamilton was named a hero. She inspires everyone to never give up and to not be afraid to do something you love.

Bethany stayed courageous and positive. ((http://sloblogs.thetribunenews.com/sidetracked/2009/05/21/the-shark-that-bit-bethany-hamilton/))

Courage projects "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty," (dictionary.com) Bethany Hamilton's courage came from her drive and will to survive. All of these things represent the courage and strength she had within that held her together through her struggles and obstacles. Having defied death and rebounded back to the top of the surfing world sparked the attention of America. Her courage spread like wildfire to all of her fans seeking courage and confidence. "Who defied death to become an inspiration for the whole America. People loved her not for who she was but for what she represented." (Cowling) Seeing a tremendous amount of courage and strength in an adolescent gives hope to people, that they too can pursue anything they believe in. Hamilton’s dedication and strength to take on a sport that could have killed her makes her an inspiration. Strength can’t be something you receive after working out in a gym for a while. Bethany Hamilton is one of the few people who have strength. “After losing over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude.” (Bethany Hamilton Website) Watching everything you have ever worked for fall apart in front of your eyes is devastating to a person. But being able to make it positive takes real nerve that Bethany Hamilton had. She took a chance going back out on that surfboard but, to her, it was a chance worth taking. Most people would run away at the sight of a challenge, but not Bethany Hamilton she takes life’s challenges as they come and she wasn’t going to let something like this slow her down. She emerged from the most terrible experience a professional surfer could ever have, and by simply changing her attitude about it, gained enough courage to try again. As Bethany Hamilton once said, “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” (Bethany Hamilton) Bethany Hamilton was afraid to return surfing, but she didn’t let her emotions drive her passion to surf.

Hamilton is determined to paddle with one arm. (http://nlrbrrhn.co.cc/?s=sF02w5jKyjHqst0cW%2BxIuzF%2BAhe3UHr9aMIeRbBj1q8m3jgpTaPjo5VzZDBqBl5S0w%3D%3D)

As known actor Christopher Reeve once said, “Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” Bringing hope to others gives them confidence drive to succeed in anything. Bethany Hamilton brought hope to so many people, through her motivational speaking, charities, and her inspiring story. Bethany Hamilton’s amazing story has inspired many teens and adults to never give up on a dream no matter what life throws at you. She demonstrates determination and continues to inspire us. “Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination and hope.”(Bethany Hamilton Website) Hamilton and her story bring hope to those who don’t believe they can succeed, but after her motivational story giving up becomes less and less of an option. She took her time of disparity and emerged with strength and drive to work even harder. And that kind of passion can only be found in a hero. Bethany teaches teens that no matter what life throws at you, you should never give up because in the end it will make you stronger. “Bethany just launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story” (Bethany Hamilton Biography). The Friends of Bethany foundation, has helped many people struggling with amputations and shark attack trauma similar too herself. In her foundation, she inspires other people to never give up, and how to deal with trauma. Her life story has helped to build confidence and strength in those who have experienced similar traumas. As a hero, Bethany Hamilton shows her drive and courage having the capability to rebound after a stress that intense. It gives others hope, that they too can follow in her lead and get back up when they fall down. As one Japanese proverb says, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Bethany Hamilton displays this quote to the fullest by being pushed down so hard, but being able to come back even better than before is a true inspiration.

Hamilton has won many national titles (http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2011/04/soul-surfer-the.html)

In the end, Bethany’s passion for surfing overpowered her fear, and let her do things that were seemingly impossible. But, because of her hard work, determination and courage she continues her dream, and captured the hearts of everyone else on the way. Bethany Hamilton is a hero because of her determination to push herself to do something she loves and her courage to pursue the sport that almost took her life. The courage she obtained to keep pushing through all the pain makes her the most amazing teen in the world. Bethany’s inspiration has spread like wildfire, to kids teens and adults everywhere. The courage and strength of her story inspires everyone to be great. She inspires me to never give up and to always believe in myself, no matter how great of a risk, it’s one worth taking. Her rebound shocked the world, but her determination and courage was truly the inspiration. A hero is a person who is admired for their noble deeds and courage. Bethany Hamilton’s gutsy attempt at surfing after her shark attack, has showed us all what bravery really looks like, has made her a real hero. Her perseverance and amazing courage makes her one of the most inspiring people in the world. She shows us that it doesn’t matter about your physical stance, if you have courage, you can conquer anything.

Works Cited:

"Bethany Hamilton – Professional Surfer, Role Model, Inspiration » About Me » Biography." Bethany Hamilton – Professional Surfer, Role Model, Inspiration. Collabration Reverbration, 2010. Web. 29 Mar. 2011. .

Brown, Patricia Leigh. "Surfer on Her Way Up, Brought Down by a Shark." New York Times 4Nov. 2003: A1. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 28 Mar. 2011.

Cowley, Jason. "Americans love their little surfer girl, but what about the shark?(sport)."New Statesman (1996). 132. 4671 (Jan 19, 2004): 57(1). Student Resource Center – Gold Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 29 Mar. 2011

Stinchfield, Kate. "Milestones: Bethany Hamilton." Time 7 Aug. 2006: 23. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. The last word.(Bethany Hamilton)(Biography)." New Moon Girls. 16. 1 (Sept-Oct 2008): 49(1). Student Resource Center - Junior. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 28 Mar. 2011