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The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Award-winning essays on courage written by sixth-eight grade students participating in The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum.

Award-winning essays on courage written by sixth-eight grade students participating in The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum.

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Lyniah Requena<br />

Kirsten Westby, Teacher<br />

United Evergreen Primary School, Belmopan, Belize<br />

<strong>Courage</strong>, for me, means facing my fears, despite being scared. It has been<br />

with me all <strong>of</strong> my young life. It is my best buddy, <strong>and</strong> it helped me overcome<br />

challenges. I know there is a powerful source <strong>of</strong> courage in my little heart,<br />

<strong>and</strong> when I open a narrow path, it rapidly comes out, <strong>and</strong> I feel courageous.<br />

For example: My loving family <strong>and</strong> I love to go to St. Herman’s Blue Hole<br />

National Park. It is located on the Hummingbird Highway, twelve miles<br />

southeast <strong>of</strong> Belmopan. It has a huge 120-foot sinkhole. We regularly go to<br />

take a refreshing swim when it is a flaming hot day. I always swim in the clear,<br />

shallow spot, but I continuously wonder, how would it feel to take a swim<br />

above the dark 120-foot sinkhole? Sometimes I felt like I had the guts to do it,<br />

but at every attempt to go above the sinkhole, I would freeze at the edge, fear<br />

appointing itself as CEO <strong>of</strong> my body at the thought <strong>of</strong> my next step. I would<br />

give in, <strong>and</strong> return to the crystal shallow which is my comfort zone. I was sad,<br />

I could not do it.<br />

“<strong>Courage</strong> is a bold<br />

feeling that sticks<br />

with me in hard,<br />

tough times.”<br />

<strong>The</strong>n boom! Lola came to mind. Just so that you are not baffled, Lola is my<br />

white, puffy <strong>and</strong> fluffy, bright-eyed poodle. A big smile came to my face as<br />

I remembered her act <strong>of</strong> true courage. Even though she is just ten inches<br />

in height, one day she attacked a tall, brown horse that had a height <strong>of</strong><br />

approximately 60 inches! <strong>The</strong> horse annoyingly kicked her using its hind<br />

legs. My super dog Lola did not give in to fear. She opened her small jaws<br />

<strong>and</strong> threatened the stubborn horse. She wanted to protect our big house<br />

<strong>and</strong> me. That vivid flashback immediately flung fear away! I briskly walked<br />

to the edge with my long, brown legs <strong>and</strong> plunged into the deep, dark blue,<br />

120-foot sinkhole! My long, brown, toned arms propelled me across the<br />

sinkhole. Finally, I was able to touch the sharp, pointy rocks that were located<br />

at the other side <strong>of</strong> the treacherous sinkhole! I swam back to the shallow side,<br />

accomplishing my challenging goal.<br />

Thanks to my tiny dog’s example, courage is now my best friend. It assured me<br />

not to be afraid. From now on I will never be afraid <strong>of</strong> the deep. <strong>Courage</strong> is a<br />

bold feeling that sticks with me in hard, tough times. <strong>Courage</strong> helped me with<br />

my fear, <strong>and</strong> after reading my true story, I hope courage becomes your best<br />

beautiful friend too!<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Courage</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Children</strong>: <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Beyond</strong><br />

Volume <strong>XXXI</strong><br />

118 119

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