The Courage of the Flower by Kelly

The Courage of the Flower by Kelly - June 2019 Scholarship Essay

I entered high school, afraid of the unknown. Although I had the opportunity to accomplish anything I desired, I insisted I could never break the barriers of my own limitations. I saw myself as feeble and invisible. It was impossible for me to succeed when my voice was so small. However, my first day in Mrs. Butwinski’s English Class changed my perspective of the world and more importantly, of myself. She referenced the growth of the flower and compared it to my own opportunity to develop. In this view, I am neither feeble nor invisible, but resilient and invincible.

Thus, the courage of the seed is displayed as it bears the harshness of the detrimental storm. The rain pelts the field and erodes the soil, yet the seed remains firm in its position and refuses to allow this obstacle to hinder its growth.

The seed begins to sprout, and its stem can be seen by those who observe the beauty of nature. Yet, the children who run around the yard threaten the stem’s potential development into a picturesque flower. Alas, when the stem is stomped on, it does not wilt.

The stem then blossoms into a flower, synonymous with the exquisiteness of its enduring courage. Yet, when winter arrives, the lack of sun compromises the flower’s integrity. Although it may shrivel, this is only to return the following spring; a tribute to its unyielding vivacity. Now, this flower blooms once more, intensified by its time of vulnerability.

This courageous flower symbolizes me. The storms of my environment have questioned my growth and ability to succeed, yet I remain firm in my pursuit of entering graduate school and changing the lives of others. As I receive my acceptance letters, the budding of my potential clients becomes clear, but the financial burdens of this endeavor threaten my aspirations. Still, I remain steadfast, confident that the threats of this rainstorm will not shake my resolve. Rather, they will provide me with the nutrients necessary to bud into the optimal graduate student, untouched by the downpours of doubt. Therefore, I thank Mrs. Butwinski for serving as my motivation to attend graduate school and for teaching me that I am neither feeble nor invisible, but unwavering and radiant.