The Power of Adaptability by Natalie

The Power of Adaptability by Natalie - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

The proud father walked up to me, gave me an unexpected hug, and handed me a $200 tip. “You helped my son catch his first fish. I can't thank you enough,” he said.

Unfortunately, things didn't start off as smoothly as they ended. As a fishing guide in Alaska, I always liked to be prepared. I woke up early to make sure the gear was working and to pack a backpack with the essential items for the day. So of course, as the father and son were following me to the river, poles in hand, I remembered I forgot my backpack. All we had were the two lures already attached to the poles - no spares to replace those that would inevitably be lost - no knife, swivels, or pliers. It was too late to go back- they would have to make do with what I had. Great, I thought. This trip is going to be a failure.

I forced myself to put my mistakes behind me and set my mind to be being the guide I said I was. I taught the father and son how to cast, how to set their hooks, and how to tie a couple of fishing knots.

We had been fishing for about forty-five minutes with almost no action, and I could tell that the boy and his dad were anxious for something to happen. The boy was from a city, used to constant entertainment from television or video games, completely unexposed to the simple pleasures that nature can provide. Just as I was beginning to worry I saw the boy’s line jerk from his rod. Before long, he landed the fish, a salmon, and was holding it up for a picture with his dad. His smile was filled with a sense of accomplishment, excitement, and a little bit of uneasiness from the slimy, squirming creature in his hands.

My initial failure to bring the backpack actually ended up providing me with much more than any of its contents could have provided. It taught me how to make do with what I have, to become adaptable. The challenges I faced as a guide in Alaska helped me grow into a more independent person. I learned that I love to be outdoors and that sharing this passion with other people is one of the most rewarding things I can do. The unpredictable nature of the outdoors taught me how to adjust to my environment, to become versatile. No matter what challenging situation I face in the future, I now know that I will be able to handle myself and grow from it.