Bethany Hamilton is an American professional surfer, surfing her whole life starting at a very young age. She unfortunately suffered a terrible accident while out on the waves that she had to persevere through in order to surf again. It is easy for me to give up when things get hard because it is the easiest solution, but what I learned from Hamilton was that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can be overcome through patience and endurance.

Hamilton began surfing competitively at the early age of eight, and by the age of ten already had her first sponsorship. When Hamilton was just 13 years old and was surfing in Hawaii, a 14-foot tiger shark bit off her left arm causing Hamilton to be rushed to the hospital. She lost her arm when she was only a young girl.

Now that her arm was gone, how did she still surf? That was my question. After she healed from her major injury, she didn’t want to have to give up the one thing she loves most. And she didn’t. Less than a month later she was already back out on the board again, if I were her I would have major fears of getting back in the ocean ever again, but instead of being scared she got right back in the water and only took her injury as a minor setback. At the age of 17, she found her dream of becoming a professional surfer. Hamilton persevered through all of the pain and struggle that was handed her way and somehow managed to make it back up onto the board and surf once again, no fear, no stress, just her and the waves, once again.

Bethany went on to be an activist for those who are going through similar events as she once did. She goes around the world giving speeches, writing books, and still to this day continues to surf. She is an inspiration to those all over the world for she was back up on her board about a month after her accident. The emotions going on in her head didn’t scare her. She saw the setback as a challenge not a chance to give up. 

The way Bethany overcame such massive goal setbacks and struggles and was back up on the board less than a month later should be something to look up to. She didn’t give up, there wasn’t even a part of her that wanted to give up, she kept going. That is how all people should view struggles, when things get hard that is not an excuse to give up. Struggle and challenge should be viewed as a sign of strength. Being able to accomplish goals and setbacks will overall create mental strength and more capability. 

I have experienced struggle throughout my high school career with not being able to focus and performing poorly on tests, but when I look at the pain and struggle Bethany went through, it inspires me to take the appropriate steps in the school year to help me perform better academically, I also have been working harder with my studying habits and trying to get more sleep to avoid fatigue throughout the school day. She truly inspires me to be the best version of myself and that if I want to do something that is hard, that I can do it if I truly try my hardest. When it comes to dedication, everyone should be like Bethany Hamilton. A strong woman who didn’t give up her dreams.