I have to admit it. Three years ago, I never imagined having the passion for the outdoors and love for wildlife that I do today. After being raised by a family who has probably never stepped foot into the woods in its entire life, it just didn’t come naturally to me. However, that would all change during my sophomore year at West Ashley High School when I was randomly assigned to Coach Cousins’ Outdoor Pursuits class.
Stepping into Coach Cousins’ class on the first day was like stepping into an outdoor world I had never before seen. The walls were lined with fishing rods, compound bows and deer antlers, but what stood out the most were the pictures, proudly displayed on the wall, of previous students and the fish they have caught during the class. Seeing the photographs made me realize that I wasn’t just entering a class full of students but, rather, a family full of brothers and sisters. At first, fishing was a foreign art to me; however, after countless power points and hands-on lessons about casting, knot tying and proper technique, it became second nature. What I wasn’t prepared for was the rush of adrenaline I got when I felt a slight tug on my line and saw that my bobber had disappeared under the water. I will never forget yanking the pole backwards to set the hook and reel in my first fish ever. After retrieving the red breast from the bank, I proudly screamed across the pond to Coach Cousins who rushed over to take my picture before freeing the fish. However, the most fulfilling part of that day was being able to hang the picture of me, with my catch, on the wall along with the rest of the students.
As much as I enjoyed fishing, it wasn’t until later in the semester that I found my true calling, archery. It seemed to come naturally to me, and within a week, I was known as the top shooter in my class and one of the best in my school. My true potential did not show, however, until I traveled with the school’s first-ever archery team to the state tournament in Columbia. While there, I placed tenth in the state out of over 200 girls competing.
Through the years, I have not only become a better angler and archer, but a hunter as well. After absorbing the knowledge I gained in the classroom, I soon developed a strong interest in deer hunting. I fell in love with the thrill of hearing the howling of the dogs echoing through the forest and the crashing of the deer through the woods, as well as the raw beauty of nature itself.
Thanks to the Outdoor Pursuits class and to Coach Cousins at West Ashley High School, I can appreciate the wonders of wildlife and what it means to be an outdoorsman. I only wish that every kid in the state had the same opportunity to learn about the outdoors like I did, as it changed the way I see nature and has made me a true and proud sportsman.
Hanna Sirisky
West Ashley High School
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