The next essay I have chosen from my student archive is also from the third class of 2004. The writer’s name is Franklin Sawvel and he was 12 years old at the time he took the class and wrote this essay. The perspective of Franklin’s writing is one that I have had to learn to approach from an intersecting angle.
Like many other young boys who grow up in Northern Minnesota, or many rural parts of America for that matter, he has grown up around firearms and hunting. As Mark recognized in his essay from The Essays – Part 2, the hunting and shooting sports are not just a pastime or hobby, but a way of life. Not to exclude the girls because they are certainly open to that exposure as well, but the boys seem to naturally follow in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. For many of these youth, spending a day in the duck blind or treestand is as common as a day spent on the playground.
Consequently, some of these young veterans of the field and woods come in to the class with the perspective that they already know everything about firearm safety. However, as Franklin points out, there is much more than what meets the eye to being a responsible, involved, safe, and knowledgeable hunter.
Why I’m taking Gun Safety? The first thing that comes to mind when asked this question is, “cause I like to hunt” and “I like guns.” So I thought this would be a good way to learn about them.
My dad grew up with guns and he has shown me some gun safety. My mom thought it would also be a good idea for me to get some pointers from somebody else too. Plus, my mom said Icould not hunt unless I took the class.
At first I really did not think I need the class. I thought I knew pretty much everything already because my dad and grandpa have guns and they hunt every year. But after just a few classes, I realize just how important gun safety really is.
I want to be a safe hunter. I want to set a good example for other kids, especially for my younger brother and sister. I know now it’s not just about hunting it’s about overall safety, this class is raising my awareness to “Be Safe!”
It’s not OK to have a gun if you don’t know how to use it!
Franklin Sawvel
Copyright 2008
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