Bethany Hamilton, Thank You For Being My Role Model
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Bethany Hamilton, Thank You For Being My Role Model

You are one of the most inspirational women I know.

607
Bethany Hamilton, Thank You For Being My Role Model
Health Bistro

I've read the book "Soul Surfer" at least four times, and I've probably seen the movie based on the book at least five times. I recently watched the movie again and I was reminded how much I look up to Bethany Hamilton. For those of you that don't know who she is, she's a professional surfer who got her arm bit off by a shark. She was only 13-years-old when the attack happened, but that didn't stop her from winning surfing competitions and becoming a professional surfer. She not only survived the attack, but she also handled everything that came from it with grace and determination.

I've always looked up to Bethany Hamilton because I have my own physical disability, so I can relate to her a lot. It's hard to find inspiration with things related to my disability because I don't know very many people with similar challenges, but luckily I felt a connection with Bethany after hearing her story. Whenever I feel like I just can't do something I tell myself "Well Bethany does so much with one arm, so I can do this with too."

There have been so many things I've been able to accomplish that I used to think I couldn't do, like learning how to surf, climbing Diamond Head, or even completing a 5k. With the support of my friends and family, and inspiration from Bethany Hamilton, I've been able to accomplish all of those things, and many others. I'm sure I could have done all of things without Bethany's inspiration, but just seeing her do all of these amazing things always encouraged me to push myself harder when I felt like I couldn't do it anymore.

My mom told me when I was in physical therapy as a child, the therapists were always amazed at how hard I pushed myself and how much I was able to accomplish because of it. I guess I always had the strength in me to achieve these things, but once I heard Bethany's story it made everything so much more real and tangible.

I know Bethany Hamilton probably gets fan mail everyday where people tell her how much of an inspiration she is, but I hope someday I get the chance to tell her how much she personally inspired me. Maybe Bethany is reading this now. If you are, thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, and thank you for persevering through your hardships and accomplishing your goals. If you're not reading this, then I hope I get to tell you all of this someday. Maybe in a letter or email. All I know is I want to personally thank you for being the strong, inspirational woman you are because you deserve it! Mahalo!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45287
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28632
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953190
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160094
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments