The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Marissa Lalanne
Aneilay Wisseh, Teacher
New Heights Charter School, Brockton, MA
Some common examples of courage are going on a roller coaster or public
speaking. Courage is defined differently depending on who you talk to. Some
people wish they had the same amount of courage as others. To me, courage
is expressing yourself freely despite what others might think of you.
When I was much younger, my parents were strict because they wanted me to
have a good education and a good life. It was good to be one of the top kids
in the class and get good grades every time. My teachers loved me because I
always met the expectations and completed my work. I received compliments
on my handwriting and on my math and reading skills. Kids would say, “You’re
so lucky you’re so smart,” or, “I wish I was as smart as you.” On my birthdays,
I would get encyclopedias, books, science kits, math books, and so on. All my
birthday presents were school stuff. Although I didn’t mind getting school
supplies as gifts, I sometimes wanted some fun things that would allow me
to be a kid.
“I am living through
my courage of
expressing myself
every day. I am a
much freer and
happier person.”
to express myself to both my parents and teachers without worrying about
negative consequences. I am living through my courage of expressing myself
every day. I am a much freer and happier person.
This year, my life as the perfect child and student got even more difficult.
My parents started giving me extra assignments to do at home and my
teachers started asking me to create and present PowerPoints about software
we need to use in class. They would tell me that I have been chosen to write
an essay. These are very good things but can also be very overwhelming. I
soon realized that I had too much weight on my shoulders. I wanted to see
my school counselor, but I convinced myself not to because I thought no one
could help me.
My stress and anxiety level increased. I felt like I was about to explode! I felt
myself shaking and breathing heavily. Then I thought about the counselor
again, and this time, I went to see her. When I walked into her office, I was
breathing very heavily. The first thing I said to her was, “I need to talk to you
and I need some advice.” She said, “Okay, you can sit down.” I sat down, and I
told her what was going on in my life, about what was going on at home and at
school. I was hesitant and afraid of telling her all of the things that were going
on because I didn’t think she would understand. However, based on how I
was feeling I just couldn’t hold back, so I told her everything. When I told her
about all of the things going on, she was very understanding. She told me that
there’s nothing wrong with seeking help, and she provided me with the tools
and skills needed to manage my situation. After talking to her, I realized that
seeking help is not a weakness, it is a strength. From that day, I have learned
The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond
Volume XXXI
6 7