My main and initial molding of the person I grew up to be comes from my time spent on Salt Marsh Lane in Pocasset, a small village on Cape Cod, on the shores of Buzzard's Bay. I have been going to the Cape since I was four months old. My summers in Pocasset have taught me many invaluable things about life and have helped me grow up to be a well-rounded and mature individual.
             My exposure to boating has been extremely influential to my development. It has taught me responsibility and leadership. From a young age, I was forced to learn how to run and operate our little aluminum motor boat and our Sunfish sailboat. When around boats, it is essential to be organized and responsible, or someone could get seriously hurt or killed. I accepted such great responsibility as a young child because I knew that someday people's lives might depend on my knowledge of the surrounding waters and nautical skills.
             There is one recent incident that stands out to me in particular and illustrates how important leadership can be when one is out to sea. I was out in my little aluminum boat with five friends who were not as comfortable around boats or the ocean. We were a good distance from shore, when the 1965 Evinrude motor suddenly died. My confidence and knowledge of the surrounding waters, combined with being an excellent rower enabled me to take control of the situation and get everyone home safely. My composure and willingness to take charge of the situation greatly assisted our safe return.
             When I was about thirteen years old, I started doing yard work for the Roberts, one of the many elderly couples on Salt Marsh Lane. My work included tasks such as mowing the lawn and planting flowers. I developed a very close relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. I would occasionally take a break from the yard work to sit with them and listen to their stories of the "good old days." Mr. Roberts, who is now blind, woul
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