SOLO-Youth Press Release -- Warning: Following Dreams "Irresponsible
Warning: Following Dreams "Irresponsible"
Callum McPetrie
19 May 2009
With the full support of her parents, 15-year-old Aussie Jessica Watson has a goal: to become the youngest person ever
to individually circumnavigate the globe. However, her biggest challenge isn't lofty waves, strong winds and faulty
equipment - it's Australian "family groups."
John Morrissey, of the Australian Family Association, has deemed the planned voyage too risky, saying:
"I've been teaching 15-year-old girls for 42 years and I'd be amazed if any of them could cope with something like
that."
Similarly, from Bill Muehlenberg, of the Family Council of Victoria, says:
"...I think it sounds fairly irresponsible to allow this kind of thing to happen certainly at this young age."
Of course, a solo circumnavigation of the world presents certain dangers - which I'm sure Jessica Watson is fully aware
of, and prepared to deal with. Unlike most teenagers these days, hshe is motivated, has a purpose and a goal, and she
intends to reach her goal. She represents the pinnacle of what being a teenager should be about: finding one's own wings
and goals, and reaching for the stars - building up self-esteem so critical at this point in life.
Instead, we have bureaucrats who don't know a single thing about Jessica telling her it's too dangerous. How dare she be
motivated and willing to accomplish a goal! After all, in our politically correct world, we're always on about "letting
the little people have a go."How's that supposed to help when people need to be assured of themselves and their goals,
ideas and dreams?
As SOLO Youth Coordinator, I am fully behind her attempt to be the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe
individually. Ultimately, her only true barrier to completing her voyage is if she doesn't have 100% confidence in her
own ability to attain her goal.
ENDS