Bethany showed courage before and after her shark attack. Days or even months after her shark attack, Bethany continued surfing. “I was not afraid. “ (p.8). Bethany explained how she felt about surfing again. Most
teens wouldn’t continue surfing if they were in the same situation as Bethany.
The young, talented surfer would be motivated and always do what she said she would. Back when Bethany was in the hospital, she set a goal that she would get back to surfing the day before Thanksgiving. Therefore, Bethany got back to surfing a day earlier. She tried at least 4 times and began to get obnoxious. By her fifth time she wanted to give up, but her father believed she would get it this time and she did!
After realizing she had bigger and better things to worry about, Bethany moved on with life. She even has been to the Kids Choice Awards and on talk shows. “I made the decision early on not to mourn the loss of my arm and I’ve stuck to that.”(p.9). Bethany tells her family, friends, and fans that she still is the same Bethany even without her arm.
Motivation, braveness, and a positive attitude helped Bethany pull through her attack. Its pretty mind – blowing that a young teen with one arm continued her love for surfing, but we are struggling with two. Bethany’s story can teach others that working hard on your troubles and to try at least 5 times before giving up. To young teens I hope Bethany is a role model to them.