West With the Night

 Word Count: 265 words

In the 1990s, Beryl explains her life in Kenya, as we see a different type of memoir than the ones we have read so far. She is in aviation, becoming a bush pilot. 

Helping her to gain perspective in her life, growing up she spends lots of time with the native people. She would hunt with this tribe, stepping up to kill a hog in the process. She first was a horse trainer, stemming from her father giving her a colt to deliver. She was the first African woman to become a horse trainer, this amazing feat becoming a staple to her life of success. She knows she is built to accomplish great things, stemming her love for aviation. 

I am inspired by her hope to be the first to fly from London to New York, unfortunately resulting in a crash landing due to her fuel freezing. She is honorable due to her drive to not only be the first woman, but the first woman to accomplish this difficult task, not letting fear of failure stop her. I am amazed at her attempt and know this did not limit her future endeavors. 

Beryl says, "Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead." This is an influencing quote to read because why live in the past or worry about an hour past when there are optimal opportunities in front of you. I have never previously heard of her, but am so glad to have had the opportunity to read her words and learn from her.