My daughter, Sara, has been a huge fan of surfer Bethany Hamilton from the moment she heard about her getting back on her board to compete after losing her left arm to a shark, eight years ago. Sara was ten at the time, and she made me drive her to Barnes and Noble to buy a copy of Bethany’s book, Soul Surfer, as soon as it came out. She read it in two days, devouring every word, and even writing a book report on it for her elementary school class. So it was a stroke of fate that Sara happened to be home for spring break when I was invited to attend the premiere of Soul Surfer – the movie – and interview Bethany for NickJr.com and StyleSubstanceSoul.
Bethany lit up the room when she walked in – to thunderous applause – wearing a big smile and an adorable little sundress with spaghetti straps. At 21, Bethany is so poised, graceful and confident, you notice her long legs and beautiful face way before you ever notice her missing arm. Just looking at her is so empowering, I could see why she’d had such a strong effect on Sara. If Bethany could be this happy and still be such a formidable competitor after all she’d been through, then, truly, anything was possible.
When we were alone with Bethany, Sara told her what a huge influence she had been on her life. Like anyone who is genuinely inspiring, Bethany was warm, humble and authentic. She autographed her book for her, and I took a photo of the two of them together. It was a full circle moment for Sara, and a deeply meaningful one for me. I was so proud that my daughter would choose someone like Bethany – rather than someone like Britney Spears – as a role model.
Bethany’s life was changed forever by that shark attack, and what’s most amazing is that she would say it’s not necessarily for the worse because it enabled her to help so many other people change theirs. She’s especially determined to make a difference in the way girls (and women) see their own bodies.
Because we only had ten minutes with Bethany, I didn’t have time to ask her enough questions for two different articles. I chose to publish my interview on NickJr.com because I believe it is so important for kids to learn about Bethany, to see what she’s been able to accomplish and to really understand – through her – that they can overcome any obstacle in their life.
I hope you’ll read the interview, pass it around, then go see the movie which opens today. It just may inspire you to become an inspiration to others.
a wonderful interview, Lois! Bethany is an amazing, inspiring young woman, beautiful both inside and out.
Thanks, Sheryl. Totally agree about Bethany — she is very special.
Loved the article, Lois. So inspiring and uplifting.
Thanks so much, Jean!
Fantastic interview! What a privilege to hear from this special young woman. We need her to be the inspiration for our young people.
Thanks, Raedine. She definitely has a lot to teach kids of all ages.
I remember reading about the incident and at the time wondering what this young girl’s future would be like. I now know that Bethany is a unique individual who can (and will) overcome any obstacles. I admire her and wish her continued success in anything she attempts to do. Thank you for the great interview.
She is a superstar! Thanks, Alicia!
Thanks for featuring Bethany! I too, devoured the book as soon as it came out and I share her story with my students at the beginning of the year, as an inspiration for following their dreams and never giving up when the challenges seem gargantuan! I’m so excited about the movie and the fact that this incredibly brave young woman is doing so much to inspire others!
i want to be a great surfer because of bethany. i am only 10 and i want to be just like bethany.