The shark siren had already gone off two times that morning, and the salt water sat heavy in the back of my throat. After being in the ocean for almost five hours that day I was ready to strip myself of my wet suit, and in all honestly order myself a juicy burger and a cold beer. As I walked into the basement of Gary’s Surf school, where I was currently working in South Africa, Gary called out “Hey Kait! One more! A walk- in lesson at 3:30, Are you Keen?!” It was Christmas eve, and everyone was busy so I told him I would and headed upstairs to the mexican restaurant to ironically order that burger. I would have to pass on a cold one until later. As I headed down to my lesson, Gary pulls me aside. My new student was a Dutch 65 yr old man, who could not speak english. Not only could we not communicate but the man had three hip surgeries, and so both hips had very limited flexibility. Unsure of how this would …show more content…
That one ticket would turn out to be the start of a solo around the world adventure. This one lesson would turn out to be the start of a two year working experience with adaptive sports and adults with disabilities. Studying anthropology as my undergrad I was always interested in people, in humanity. Traveling solo, working my way around the globe taught me how to be resourceful, courageous, independent, and open minded. After traveling I moved again to Colorado where I got a job working with adults with disabilities and also volunteer every week with the adaptive sports program. The joy I found that one day in the ocean is one I get to recreate day after day. The ability to create in others a sense of independence, strength, safety and acceptance is what I hope to find every day, in my actions and my career. It is because of these values that I stride to become a lawyer. To give back that hope, and that determination. To give others a voice when they can not do so