The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Esther Kalejaiye
Aaron Kesler and Alison Spade, Teachers
Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, Hyde Park, MA
Courage is the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and to overcome
your fear. Courage allows you to attempt challenging things. I was in my
classroom, and the flyers for choir had just been published. I was very
excited to go back into the choir. My friend and I were going to run for the
presidency, but we were so nervous that we wouldn’t get picked. Then the day
came, the election. The choir director said, “And the new Vice President is
Esther!” I was shocked that my friend got the President role and that I got
the Vice President. I was filled with joy.
“I learned that
sometimes you
might have to step
up and challenges
will come, but you
keep your head up
and face them.”
Days later, I was waiting for my friend so we could walk together from the
classroom to the choir, but she was nowhere to be found. I was scared
because if my friend wasn’t there I would have to lead. I didn’t think I would
be able to lead the afternoon routine. But I had other friends that could help
me, and they did. They said to me, “It’s going to be fine.” So I got up to the
center of the circle and did the afternoon routine. I led the group for a week
while she was out, and I’m proud of myself. I learned that sometimes you
might have to step up and challenges will come, but you keep your head up
and face them. Families and friends will be there to comfort you and help
you. This life lesson helped me and can help others move forward. It could
help by preparing people for the unexpected.
The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond
Volume XXXI
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