The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Lyniah Requena
Kirsten Westby, Teacher
United Evergreen Primary School, Belmopan, Belize
Courage, for me, means facing my fears, despite being scared. It has been
with me all of my young life. It is my best buddy, and it helped me overcome
challenges. I know there is a powerful source of courage in my little heart,
and when I open a narrow path, it rapidly comes out, and I feel courageous.
For example: My loving family and I love to go to St. Herman’s Blue Hole
National Park. It is located on the Hummingbird Highway, twelve miles
southeast of Belmopan. It has a huge 120-foot sinkhole. We regularly go to
take a refreshing swim when it is a flaming hot day. I always swim in the clear,
shallow spot, but I continuously wonder, how would it feel to take a swim
above the dark 120-foot sinkhole? Sometimes I felt like I had the guts to do it,
but at every attempt to go above the sinkhole, I would freeze at the edge, fear
appointing itself as CEO of my body at the thought of my next step. I would
give in, and return to the crystal shallow which is my comfort zone. I was sad,
I could not do it.
“Courage is a bold
feeling that sticks
with me in hard,
tough times.”
Then boom! Lola came to mind. Just so that you are not baffled, Lola is my
white, puffy and fluffy, bright-eyed poodle. A big smile came to my face as
I remembered her act of true courage. Even though she is just ten inches
in height, one day she attacked a tall, brown horse that had a height of
approximately 60 inches! The horse annoyingly kicked her using its hind
legs. My super dog Lola did not give in to fear. She opened her small jaws
and threatened the stubborn horse. She wanted to protect our big house
and me. That vivid flashback immediately flung fear away! I briskly walked
to the edge with my long, brown legs and plunged into the deep, dark blue,
120-foot sinkhole! My long, brown, toned arms propelled me across the
sinkhole. Finally, I was able to touch the sharp, pointy rocks that were located
at the other side of the treacherous sinkhole! I swam back to the shallow side,
accomplishing my challenging goal.
Thanks to my tiny dog’s example, courage is now my best friend. It assured me
not to be afraid. From now on I will never be afraid of the deep. Courage is a
bold feeling that sticks with me in hard, tough times. Courage helped me with
my fear, and after reading my true story, I hope courage becomes your best
beautiful friend too!
The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond
Volume XXXI
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