Harriet Tubman by Lydia

Harriet Tubman by Lydia - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Imagine being outside with the sun’s rays slowly beating down on your shoulders, warming your entire back while simultaneously eliciting a sense of warmth throughout your body. Underneath you is a worn-out blanket, used for countless outdoor situations, and to your left the family picnic basket filled with all of the family favorites. With the sun beating down and warming you, you glance to the left and see the bright green grass that appears endless with small yellow dandelions popping out every yard or so. Sitting cross-legged on the blanket, you look back at the person in front of you and admire at who you have the pleasure of having a wonder summer picnic dinner with. A woman who has the wisdom of it seems 100 years behind her eyes and hands that although may look hard and worn-out have the tenderness that would not leave an eye dry. Wrinkles line her face, but the wrinkles only show the endless smiles that have lined her mouth, while also showing the many frowns she had to endure in her life. Her body is hunched and appears tired, but at peace because her long road is finally over. Looking at the fine woman who is in front of you, you cannot help but appreciate and admire the woman you had the pleasure of having a meal with. Not only was she a woman who aged beyond her years, Harriet Tubman was by far one of the bravest woman in history.
Born into a slavery, Harriet Tubman endured years and years of physical violence and emotional and mental trauma. She was forced to age well beyond her years and engage in things one cannot help but only imagine. She encountered so many different types of violence that left scars throughout her body, both physically and especially mentally. Despite these trials and tribulations, however; Harriet Tubman had one vivid memory in her mind daily. Early in her life a trader wanted to buy Harriet’s younger brother, but her mother stepped in and prevented it from happening. Seeing how powerful and important it was to keep the family together, Harriet Tubman vowed to continue doing just that.
Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist and is formally known as the woman who led hundreds of slave families and individuals to freedom by leading them through the Underground Railroad. A former freed slave herself, Harriet Tubman was able to free herself by escaping to Philadelphia. After crossing the line into Pennsylvania, Harriet Tubman could not believe she was actually free and had to look at her hands to see if there was any difference in them. She recalls she felt as if she was in heaven, with all of its glory shining down upon her. Soon after, she made it her mission to help and rescue those who were enslaved. In her lifetime, she was able to help more than 700 individuals and families, becoming one of the most famous civilians in all American history.
Choosing Harriet Tubman to accompany me to dinner was no accident. A woman with a background such as hers is an example many should follow. As I struggle on in my life and face the obstacles I do, I cannot help but feel guilty because they are nothing compared to the obstacles Harriet Tubman had to face. She demonstrated bravery that I can only wish to have one day. She knew the importance of family and the value it holds to keep a family together no matter the odds. By helping all the people she did, she was able to salvage and save families that would have otherwise broken without her. I chose Harriet Tubman to have dinner with me not for her to talk about all the people she helped free, but for her to talk about how she acquired her bravery, strength, courage, and the power to face anything no matter the obstacle or adversity. I asked her to dinner for her to tell me how I can become brave and to stand up for what I believe in, no matter what the people around me would think or believe. I asked her to dinner so she could tell me how I can find my inner voice and to pursue my dreams, no matter what they would be.
As the sun starts setting to the west, Harriet and I smile at each other and a knowing look crosses her eyes. She knows I may be struggling to find my voice now, but soon I will find it. I grab her hand and hold it tightly in mine. It may take time and patience, but with a little bravery and courage, I will find my voice just like she did.