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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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Marissa Lalanne<br />

Aneilay Wisseh, Teacher<br />

New Heights Charter School, Brockton, MA<br />

Some common examples <strong>of</strong> courage are going on a roller coaster or public<br />

speaking. <strong>Courage</strong> is defined differently depending on who you talk to. Some<br />

people wish they had the same amount <strong>of</strong> courage as others. To me, courage<br />

is expressing yourself freely despite what others might think <strong>of</strong> you.<br />

When I was much younger, my parents were strict because they wanted me to<br />

have a good education <strong>and</strong> a good life. It was good to be one <strong>of</strong> the top kids<br />

in the class <strong>and</strong> get good grades every time. My teachers loved me because I<br />

always met the expectations <strong>and</strong> completed my work. I received compliments<br />

on my h<strong>and</strong>writing <strong>and</strong> on my math <strong>and</strong> reading skills. Kids would say, “You’re<br />

so lucky you’re so smart,” or, “I wish I was as smart as you.” On my birthdays,<br />

I would get encyclopedias, books, science kits, math books, <strong>and</strong> so on. All my<br />

birthday presents were school stuff. Although I didn’t mind getting school<br />

supplies as gifts, I sometimes wanted some fun things that would allow me<br />

to be a kid.<br />

“I am living through<br />

my courage <strong>of</strong><br />

expressing myself<br />

every day. I am a<br />

much freer <strong>and</strong><br />

happier person.”<br />

to express myself to both my parents <strong>and</strong> teachers without worrying about<br />

negative consequences. I am living through my courage <strong>of</strong> expressing myself<br />

every day. I am a much freer <strong>and</strong> happier person.<br />

This year, my life as the perfect child <strong>and</strong> student got even more difficult.<br />

My parents started giving me extra assignments to do at home <strong>and</strong> my<br />

teachers started asking me to create <strong>and</strong> present PowerPoints about s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />

we need to use in class. <strong>The</strong>y would tell me that I have been chosen to write<br />

an essay. <strong>The</strong>se are very good things but can also be very overwhelming. I<br />

soon realized that I had too much weight on my shoulders. I wanted to see<br />

my school counselor, but I convinced myself not to because I thought no one<br />

could help me.<br />

My stress <strong>and</strong> anxiety level increased. I felt like I was about to explode! I felt<br />

myself shaking <strong>and</strong> breathing heavily. <strong>The</strong>n I thought about the counselor<br />

again, <strong>and</strong> this time, I went to see her. When I walked into her <strong>of</strong>fice, I was<br />

breathing very heavily. <strong>The</strong> first thing I said to her was, “I need to talk to you<br />

<strong>and</strong> I need some advice.” She said, “Okay, you can sit down.” I sat down, <strong>and</strong> I<br />

told her what was going on in my life, about what was going on at home <strong>and</strong> at<br />

school. I was hesitant <strong>and</strong> afraid <strong>of</strong> telling her all <strong>of</strong> the things that were going<br />

on because I didn’t think she would underst<strong>and</strong>. However, based on how I<br />

was feeling I just couldn’t hold back, so I told her everything. When I told her<br />

about all <strong>of</strong> the things going on, she was very underst<strong>and</strong>ing. She told me that<br />

there’s nothing wrong with seeking help, <strong>and</strong> she provided me with the tools<br />

<strong>and</strong> skills needed to manage my situation. After talking to her, I realized that<br />

seeking help is not a weakness, it is a strength. From that day, I have learned<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 />

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