Soul Surfer Characteristics

Soul Surfer is based off of the true story of how a young girl, Bethany Hamilton, lost her arm due to a shark attack.  Bethany was 13 years old at the time her attack occurred on the morning of Halloween 2003. Bethany was surfing with her best friend, Alana Blanchard, along with Alana's dad and brother in a place known as "The Tunnels" or Tunnels Beach which is located on the North Shore of Kauai. Bethany was laying on her surfboard with her left arm dangling in the water, when out of the blue the shark attacked her and took her arm almost to her armpit. The remainder of the movie shows how Bethany coped with her injury with the help of her community, as well as her re-learning how to surf and go through her daily life as normal as possible. This film's estimated budget was about $18,000,000.

Although Soul Surfer is mostly accurate, there are some character inaccuracies when compared to real life. One example of character inaccuracy is present when Bethany first gets home from the hospital. In the movie Bethany arrives home after her recovery from the hospital and tries to help make sandwiches with her family like she usually use to do. She attempts to cut the tomatoes only for them to fall on the floor, Bethany’s brother seeing her struggle offers to do them instead (Soul Surfer). In actuality this wasn’t the first thing she did when she got home. The real Bethany Hamilton however has become a pro at cutting fruit with the aid of her feet. She holds the fruit steady between her

Reading the article Lake and von Baeyer (2005) “Tips for Successful Students”, I realize that most characteristics are necessary for one to succeed as a student in any area of life. For example, one must ask questions and take notes in order to interact with the professor and further their knowledge in a particular subject. These two skills coincide together along with the initiative to achieve a certain stardom. One aspect of learning is never lonesome, though it is possible to be additionally gifted in one region over another.

Read Lake and von Baeyer's article, “Tips for Successful Students." Also, review the characteristics of a successful student as explained in the lecture. As you consider these, which is your strongest characteristic? Why? How will this characteristic help you to become a successful student in your program of study?

Consistency and dedication. Two qualities that saved me from a significant drop in my academics in my sophomore year. I was doing just fine at Cajon High School, my grades were not as good as I wanted them to be, but they were still acceptable. Overall I was very delighted to be there. However, this all changed when my parents told me that we were moving from San Bernardino to Hesperia, California and I would be transferring high schools.

The 2011 film Soul Surfer is based on true events about the life of surfer Bethany Hamilton. When she was a teenager, Bethany was attacked by a shark while surfing. She lived, but ended up losing her arm and threatening to end her competitive surfing career. However, she retrains herself to surf in spite of her injury. The film takes place in Kauai, Hawaii. Hamilton's life is surrounded by surfing and surfers; her entire family surfs. Their emotional support and Bethany's faith help her to garner the psychological strength the protagonist needs to overcome the adversity of the shark attack.

Soul Surfer is an inspirational film. It is filled with drama that turns the audiences’ world upside down. Grasping humanity, the movie pulls it in and transforms it into something beautiful. It is founded on a true story about Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm during a vicious shark attack. Sean McNamara, the director, planned to film the movie shortly after the attack in 2003. Seven years from the plot of storyline, it premiered in theaters in April 2011 as a PG movie. Its purpose was to inform viewers that all things are possible. In the movie Sean presents that, people can overcome life challenges with perspective, determination, and support. Soul Surfer is about over coming fears in light of a misfortune.

“Life is a lot like surfing…When you get caught in the impact zone, you’ve got to just get back up. Because you never know what may be over the next wave” (“Soul Surfer”). Bethany Hamilton endured a very traumatic experience in her life, and this is why she is known as the “Soul Surfer.” The difficulties she faced and overcame were truly remarkable.

I believe surfing is the best teacher. It teaches you motivation, strength, and balance. Not many things in life teach you all these things while still allowing you to have fun. You have to pick your battles. You have to decide how you will respond to failure. You have to decide to surf. You have to let the waves carry

I have learned it is important to hold myself to high standards and I hope my students will return the favor. Responsibility, respect, honor, and equality are four specific qualities I value and I anticipate my students will see me display these traits and model after them. I want nothing more and expect nothing less than to see young minds grow and mature into exceptional individuals who succeed in and out of the classroom.

When asked who was the most influential person in my life without any hesitation I knew it was my father. My father has impacted my life greatly and has helped me become the person I am today. He has helped me in many ways; he pushes me to be the best, he is always there for me, and he possesses good qualities that I try to obtain.

2. Identify two areas of personal strength and two areas of personal weakness in being a self-motivated and engaged student.

Being a successful student may involve some of the characteristics such as: organization, time, studying, and believing you can achieve.

To become a success in life, we all need to learn to become a good student in every aspect of life. Becoming a good student takes much work and self-discipline. There are many ways that a student can stand out from the rest of the class. These good students are distinguished by their attitude, intellectual skills, consciousness, and achievement.

A good student is someone who always tries to do the right thing and makes education an important priority. Being a good student in school is an excellent start on having a successful future. Motivation is the key to their success. There are many qualities to be considered a good student. Three of the most important qualities are maintaining good grades, having excellent behavior, and managing your time wisely.