Surf More in 2016 by Brooke

Surf More in 2016 by Brooke - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

My skin is burning yet my soul is radiating. One massive body of water filled with arrogant males and a sensational feeling that is impossible to ignore. While the cold rushes from the ends of my fingers to the tips of my toes, a surge of endorphins race throughout my body. The ocean is a place where all my worries melt away.
Reality returns when I walk back onto sand. I have problems being the only girl in the water. I did not realize how male- dominated surfing was until I made the sport my primary focus. As the years went by, and I spent countless hours in the water, I finally realized how different women are treated in a predominantly male sport. It is true that most men are better at surfing, however that does not give them the right to judge or ridicule the women in the water. I overcame this bias by knowing my true self, fighting for the right to the ocean, and not giving up.
As my surfing progressed, I made the surf team for my high school hoping that a team would bridge this segregation. Although my dedication and hard work paid off, the attitude in the water was the same. Not only did my team members judge the girls on the surf team, but the coach did as well. My skin thickened as I heard the coach talking to the boys about the girls on the team. This judgment by the male team members caused many girls to quit before the end of the third year.
The pure joy I have when surfing helped me overcome this bias and made me realize how important the pursuit of happiness is to me. As Surf Team Women’s Captain, I persevered through the boy’s negative reaction to me in the water. It made me a strong person, willing to stand up to unfair treatment. I believe a fight with risks and rewards is worth embarking. As a student, I will fight for my grades, the rights of my classmates and project partners, and my success. My New Year’s resolution is to surf more in 2016!