Surfs Up A Journey to Puerto Rico Ordinary

Surf’s Up: A Journey to Puerto Rico

Ordinary World • My ordinary world is living in Bethel Park. I participate in most sports, except for water sports.

Call to Adventure • My friend, Petunia, calls me and asks if I want to go to Puerto Rico with her family. She tells me that we can take surf lessons there.

Refusal of the Call • I’m excited, but nervous. I doubt I can afford to go and I don’t know if my parents will let me go that far without them. Also, I am not the strongest swimmer.

Meeting with the Mentor • I talk to my older sister, Fiona, about the trip. She tells me she will loan me some money and that she will help convince mom and dad to let me go. She has also surfed before and is confident that I can do it, too.

Crossing the First Threshold • I get permission from my parents and then start to pack for the trip, double checking that I have extra sunblock. Then, Petunia’s parents pick me up and we are off to Pittsburgh International Airport to begin our adventure!

Tests, Allies, and Enemies • I am glad I have an ally for the adventure, my friend, Petunia, who is always my partner in crime. Her little brother, Sebastian, is our enemy as he has already started whining and kicking my seat on the plane. I understand his frustration, since a first test we encountered was having our flight delayed – but, yikes! I hope he isn’t this annoying the whole trip.

Approach the Inmost Cave • After relaxing at the beach for a few days, Petunia informs me that we will have our surf lesson tomorrow. In preparation, we each buy a wet suit and rent a surfboard. We also watch a couple of You. Tube videos that give beginner tips.

Ordeal • The next day, we have our surf lesson. At the beginning, I am terrified that I might crack my skull on the board or a rock. Furthermore, my teacher’s English is a bit lacking.

Reward • However, I start to gain my confidence throughout the lesson. By the end, I am able to stand up and ride the wave into the shore!

The Road Back • On the journey home, we are exhausted. Naturally, Sebastian is being extra annoying on the plane ride back. To make matters worse, the man next to me is snoring loudly, and smells of sardines.

Resurrection • I experienced a transformation in myself on this trip. I went from a land animal to a creature of the sea and from a person who lived my life in fear to one who does not let fear govern my decisions.

Return with the Elixir • Once home, my family was eager to hear all about my trip. I not only shared how wonderful it was to be able to ride a wave into the shore, but I also told them the realization that I came to through my trip: I can be successful if I am not afraid to try!