Matthew Henson and Merrick Johnston Discovery of the North Pole :: essays research papers

Matthew Henson and Merrick Johnston both achieved something extraordinary. Matthew Henson was awarded as the co-discoverer of the North Pole. Merrick Johnston was the youngest person ever to climb Mt. McKinley. Although they differ, both of their ambitions were hard to achieve and were a huge milestone for each person. Life was forever changed for both Henson and Johnston when they reached their destination. In the dictionary, a goal is â€Å"something that one hopes or intends to accomplish.† Henson accomplished his goal on April 6th, 1909. As a boy, he traveled around on ship and achieved seagoing experience. When he was a store clerk, Robert Peary hired him and introduced Henson to his new goal, which was to climb the North Pole. After a number of tries, he finally reached the top. Johnston had her dream of climbing Mt. McKinley since she was 9. She finally started her journey up the mountain on June 2nd. Although snow occasionally kept her from advancing on her path, Johnston finally touched the top on June 23rd when she was 12 years, 5 months, and 5 days old. Henson and Johnston both accomplished their dreams. Henson and Johnston each needed certain qualities and characteristics to achieve their goals. Henson had experience at sea, was fluent in the Eskimo language, and was skilled in making useful equipment that was needed to survive the path to the North Pole. His perseverance kept him trying to achieve his dream after a number of times in which he failed. Johnston’s training had consisted of gymnastics, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. She even climbed Mt. Goode to get more experience. Her ability to keep focus on her goal brought her to the top of Mt. McKinley. Determination burned in both Henson and Johnston day after day. If it was not for these qualities, Henson and Johnston might not have reached their destination.