If you live in Australia you will be very aware of who Jessica Watson is and her amazing accomplishment. For my friends outside of Australia, Jessica (better known as Jess) just made history by becoming the youngest person to sail around the world solo. She is 16; well in fact she turns 17 this week.
I live on the Sunshine Coast of Australia where Jess also lives. So we have had our local news full of the teenager’s adventure for some time, this included a fierce debate as to whether her parents should allow to attempt this challenge.
I must confess I was one of many people who thought she should not go. To me this seemed way too dangerous for a 16 year old to take on alone. The people who opposed her going named many reasons as to why not. These included;
1. pirates
2. being too young to be tough enough mentally
3. she is tiny so physical strength
4. lack of experience and so the list went on……
My main reason was I did not think she could have the maturity to deal with 6 months being alone at sea. I am glad to say I was very wrong.
Jessica sailed into Sydney Harbour on Saturday to a grand scale welcome. Our prime minister was there to officially welcome her home. The harbor was full of boats and the shore line and the Sydney Opera House area packed with people.
Our prime minister called her a true Australian Hero. To which Jess replied “I have to disagree with our Prime Minister, I am just an ordinary teenager who went after my dream and worked hard to make it happen” – WOW! If only we could all embrace that type of commitment and attitude. The girl is amazing!
Yesterday evening we watched an interview with Jess. Her maturity is amazing. The one thing that absolutely resonated with me was her response to a question – was she ever afraid. These words may not be exactly accurate but were close to “the greatest fear was the anticipation of an event, like when I knew there was a storm or bad weather coming I would feel fear but when it hit I just dealt with it. So the fear was more the anticipation.”
The reason that resonated with me is that through the course of my life I have realised that so often the things I was concerned may happen in the main did not.
There are many things in this young woman’s journey we can all learn from I am sure. Be sure to check out her official blog http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/pink-lady
Let me know what you think of this amazing accomplishment.
ADVENTURE says
THE KID IS GREAT SHE IS TOUGH 99 % OF THE PEOPLE DONT GO ANYWHERE AND A LOT ARE JEALOUS OF HER
I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE WORLD NORTH AND SOUTH POLES
MT EVEREST I HOLD WORLD RECORDS
MY SON DOES SOME ADVENTURE BUT KIDS STOPPED HIM
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE JESS GET HER TEETH FIXED
IF SHE COMES TO THE STATES I WILL TALK MY SON
INTO FIXING THEM I THINK SHE NEEDS BRACES TO
NOT SHORE HE WORKS ON ALL THE HOLLY WOOD FOLKS\
BILL TOTH
Sue says
Hi Bill
Thanks for the comment. You sound like you have done some awesome stuff. Good on you. It is sad too many people do not go after their dreams because of other people.
I agree about Jess’s teeth. I said the same to my husband the other day. I hope your son does do them for her.
Have a great day
Sue