How adventurous are you? Do you seek out new experiences, thrills and challenges, or are you happier with more familiar and safer activities?
Dorothy Hoffner, born in 1918, had survived both the Spanish flu and Covid pandemics, as well as her first skydiving attempt at age 100. On Oct. 1, at 104, she broke the world record for oldest person in the world to skydive.
The Times writes:
Did she feel nervous? “No,” she said in an interview Monday.
Was she aware that she would be likely to break the Guinness World Record for oldest person in the world to skydive? “Had no idea.”
Strapped to an instructor, Ms. Hoffner jumped off the plane, soaked in views of curly river streams and square patches of land, and made history as she touched down in Ottawa, describing the downward ride as “wonderful” to a small crowd who had gathered to congratulate her.
Would you describe yourself as a thrill-seeker, risk-taker or adventurer? Do extreme feats, physical or otherwise, excite or terrify you? What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
What’s something adventurous you always wanted to do, but we’re too afraid to try? Does Ms. Hoffner’s bravery inspire you to try it?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more about Ms. Hoffner’s daredevilry and watch a video of her record-setting skydive.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
