programs Match the Promise

A Niche That Hasn't Been Filled

Jeffrey – future fly-fishing guide

The thrill of the catch! That's what I like and what I want to share with others. This is why I want to be a fishing guide when I grow up–but not just any fishing guide–I want to be a fly fishing guide!

Living in South Texas, I have been fishing since I was a little boy and I have always tried to learn more and more. This year I have discovered fly fishing! It is not considered a common way of fishing in South Texas but I have learned about it from television, the internet, and by experience. I ordered my first fly rod online and, using the internet as my main teacher, started teaching myself. Despite what people around me have said, I have discovered that fly fishing is very possible in the rivers of South Texas and at the coast.

Guiding is more than fishing and a college degree would be essential. I will get my degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture to learn about fishing and to use my career as a way to protect the future of the environment and fish populations. A degree in Business and Marketing would also be good to run my own business as a fly fishing guide and promote my business.

Some people doubt that I could start a fly fishing guide business in South Texas. I think it's genius! It's a niche that hasn't been filled. I could give people an experience that they might not get in this part of the country. I could even teach experienced fisherman a new way of fishing. I think doing what you love is the secret to a successful career. By sharing my experience with others I hope that they may love it too!

Jeffrey's essay appears here as written, to preserve the young author’s unique voice and individual writing style. However, we have deleted personally identifiable information to protect the student’s privacy.