Christopher's Personal Statement - from Anne Ray

I was looking through my computer files for examples of personal statements for my seniors who are in the process of applying to schools. I came across Christopher's essay that he wrote for his college applications. I think a great fishing day on the Nottoway would probably be Chris's idea of heaven, and I hope that's just what he has found. The last two months have been a time for me to re-examine my faith. I'm not sure about anything, but I do know that Chris loved life, especially outdoor activities and being with his friends. I hope to write more later about my beloved child, but I thought maybe you would enjoy reading something that he wrote about five years ago.

The River -- My Home Away from Home

Move over, Huckleberry Finn! Like the famous fictional character I too have traveled "on the river". I have been very lucky in my life. I have grown up in a house that is closer than a mile away from the Nottoway River. Ever since I can remember I have been at the river. This river has been my main source for fishing, hunting, swimming, and social gatherings. I spend more time on the river than on any other activity.

I know every hole, stump, and sandbar in our stretch of river. This is because I grew up on this river. I started out with a Jon boat full of holes and a 1966 outboard motor. I began to fish everyday. It was my life and I loved it. Once my parents saw my love for fishing they decided to help me find a boat. My granddad had a twelve-foot Jon boat that he said I could have. So he loaded the boat up in the backup his pickup and brought it 450 miles from Georgia to me. I still use this same boat almost everyday.

I am for now and for all time a very avid fisherman. Even in the dead of winter I go fishing on the river. As I have grown so had my boat. I took a regular Jon boat and changed it into it into a well-oiled fishing machine. I have invested over a thousand self-earned dollars into my boat and I keep improving it. I have now officially become the fishing pro in my family. Now I am trying to spread my knowledge and enthusiasm to my younger brother and his friends.

Robert Frost says, "My object in living is to unite my avocation and my vocation as my two eyes make one in sight." To me, being able to work outdoors near a river would bring joy throughout my life. Whatever career path I take, I am sure to take many river journeys along the way. Radford's proximity to the New River as well as to an abundance of creeks and fishing holes appeals to the Huck Finn within me. With a river so close to school, I just might be able to stay "civilized" for four years.