“The United States averages only 16 shark attacks each year and just under one fatal attack every two years. Meanwhile, in the coastal states of the United States alone, lightning kills more than 41 people each year” (Handwerk). No person can say they have been attacked by a shark, or even know anyone who has. The story is not the same for Bethany Hamilton. She is a shark attack survivor. When the odds were stacked against her for surfing again, she proved them wrong. Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990. She lives in Kauai, Hawaii with her parents Thomas and Cherilyn, her two brothers Noah and Timothy, and her dog. Ginger. Bethany attended a public school until the fourth grade, when her mother home-schooled her. Homeschooling gave Bethany time to pursue surfing as a career and allowed her to travel. She had the same job as an average high school student, but home schooling allowed her to do homework on her own time. Bethany's love for surfing began when she was young. She was taught to surf by her parents at the age of four. His love for water sports quickly turned into a passion and eventually a career. An important part of Bethany is her faith. Bethany and her family go to North Shore Community Church. Bethany took the big step of accepting Jesus Christ into her heart as her personal savior at the age of five. Bethany says, “Doing things with my Christian friends is an important part of my life, because it's really encouraging to have others who, like me, want to be close to God” (Soul Surfer). At the age of eight, Bethany was entered into her first statewide surfing competition, in that competition, she won both the short and long board divisions. Bethany's love and amazement for the spo...... middle of paper ...... for other kids who are struggling. She founded a charity for shark attack victims and also turned professional. Bethany is a great example of how a bad situation doesn't have to ruin us. Bethany continues to say, “My favorite Bible verse is: 'Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you. 'Declares the Lord: 'Plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future. (About me) "Works Cited Hamilton, Bethany." About me. www.bethanyhamilton.com, 2010.web.29, January 2014. Hamilton, Bethany. Soul surfer. New York: Pocket Books, 2004. Print. "Hanging Tough". People 60.20 (20033): 64. MAS Ultra-School Edition. web. January 29, 2014. Handwerk, Brian. “Shark Facts: Attack Stats, Swim Records, More.” nationalgeographic.com.2005.web.13, February 2014. “The Holy Bible”, new international version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan House, 1984. Print.