Winnie the Pooh's Motto by Margaret

Winnie the Pooh's Motto by Margaret - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

As a senior, I have spent a great deal pondering this question. After a long thought process, I have decided on the quote, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” from Winnie the Pooh. When I was five, I watched Pooh’s Grand Adventure, The Search for Christopher Robin on repeat numerous times with my G.G. (aka grandma). At the time, I did not know the full extent of the quote or how it would come to describe my life.
In fourth grade, I was told the devastating news that my youngest sister Brigid was autistic. My heart stung as I heard the word and came to the sad realization that she would never be viewed as, “normal.” At first, I refused to believe this, but as time went on, I realized that the diagnosis was true. Brigid would not play Barbie with me like my other sister Grace, would not make eye contact with me while cracking jokes like my brother Brian, and would not even talk in this reality. She would talk as if she was in another world, quoting the scripts of Sesame Street and Finding Nemo. All these aspects made me nervous when I brought my friends over or went out to public places with her. As I began to mature; however, I realized these “negative” characteristics were what made my sister unique and was what I loved so much about her. I embraced my sister’s uniqueness and conjured this love into a soon-to-be bestseller book series, “Brigid the Brave.” Although Brigid may seem like a small, little Irish girl, she is a brave warrior that fights the stereotypes of autism, and I join her in this fight against discrimination to help provide her with the best life imaginable. Brigid the Brave fully encompasses Pooh’s wise words, “you are braver than you think.”
I tried my best to emulate Brigid’s bravery when I was told the devastating news that I had Type 1 diabetes this past June. I was told the day before my A.P. Literature and U.S. History final exams in my junior year. Although all the signs were there (skinny appearance, constant fatigue, and a hunger for sugary treats), I was in disbelief. For now and forever, I would have to monitor my blood sugar and carb intake. Every time before I ate, I would have to inject myself with insulin. At first, my skin was soft and bleed every time I injected myself, but over time, my skin grew tough. My skin no longer bleeds, and I can say the same mentally. At first I was I was sad to know that I would no longer be able to eat candy and cookies any time I wanted, but through time, I watched my weight gain back and my stomach problems disappear. I began to appreciate the healing powers of insulin and became more grateful than ever for what I had usually taken for granted. While some days are tough, I stay strong with the support of Brigid the Brave, believing in Pooh’s words that, “you are stronger than you seem.”
Finally, I believe that I am smarter than I think. To come to the realization that I am braver than I believe and stronger than I seem is powerful due many modern day self-esteem issues. Whether it be from social media pictures, model campaigns, or television programs, many have developed self-esteem issues, believing that they are not good enough. As an extremely shy person who has second guesses herself her whole life, I can attests to these issues; however, we should not define ourselves by what we cannot do. Humanity does not give itself enough credit for all the positive good it has accomplished. When studying history, professors tend to focus on the Great Depression and various wars, but the positive impacts of the Civil Rights Movement and Equal Rights Movement are just as, if not more, important. Similarly, people need to believe that they are braver than they believe and stronger than they seem. This action of stating their self-worth, makes them smarter than they think.
In conclusion, Pooh’s encouraging words of, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” encompasses not only who I am, but is also a motto that all of society must strive to live by.