Success among the waves

Jessica Watson won this year’s award for ’Young Australian of the Year 2014’ and with good reason too. Jessica Watson is only 17 years old and has been nominated because of her incredible achievements, struggles at school and her persistence throughout it all. At the age of 12, Jessica was inspired by a sailing story that led to her internationally recognized sailing career. After she read that book, she would spend countless hours in the family houseboat learning how to tie a knot and the difference between starboard and port side, all of which she now teaches her millions of viewers in her blog.

She was born dyslexic and therefore faced many difficulties in school and had trouble reading about sailing. Because of those problems, she had to learn a lot of what she knows from her family. She is a role model for dyslexic people because of her success and achievements and she has inspired countless people into starting their own blog about their passions just like her passion for sailing. Even though she was and still is dyslexic it did not stop her from writing, she has written the bestseller book called ‘ True Spirit’ and is the consultant in the film. One of her greatest achievements is being the youngest person to sail around the world alone in her boat named ‘ Ella’s Pink Lady’. She did so in a 7-month voyage, which is what her book and film is based on. Now that may sound amazing but the ride was rough throughout her trip. She encountered horrible weather several times and her boat almost capsized on 3 encounters! However with great risk comes great reward, she came home to a heroine’s welcome and she was, as she described it “ overfilled with joy” during the occasion.

The impression she gave me when I interviewed her was that she was incredibly inspiring. She was a bit shy at first but once I got to really know her, she showed me how courageous she was, she shared amazing stories about her voyage which really showed her determination and strong-will. I can understand why she is a role model for so many people and she has even become a role model for me. Personally, I can’t think of anyone who deserves the award more than Jessica, and I would love to hear your opinions on her, is she your role model too?