The Edward Lesson by Monica

The Edward Lesson by Monica - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson came from a rabbit named Edward Tulane, the main character of the novel The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. Edward was a china rabbit who was prideful, selfish, and was unable to love. But after being separated from the girl who loved him, Abilene Tulane, he began a journey of new experiences, living in different homes and meeting different people.

With every journey Edward had, it gave him a new perspective. Each journey marked a new understanding. His first journey started with a fisherman and his wife, Nellie, who taught him comfort. Then, he was found by a homeless man named Bull and a dog named Lucy, who taught him friendship, trust, and loyalty. Later, a little boy named Bryce found Edward, fixed him up, and gave him to his little sister. A little girl named Sarah Ruth who had a terminal illness. When Sarah Ruth passed away with Edward wrapped around in her arms, Edward learned the meaning of pain and loss.

Finally, Edward ended up at a doll shop, where he was physically restored. But no longer was Edward the same rabbit. He had learned the value of opening his heart. Each person came with a lesson, teaching him love, friendship, trust, loyalty, loss, and home.

Through Edward, I learned how to be vulnerable, overcome pain, and open my heart repeatedly, even after it’s been wounded. Edward lost everything repeatedly, yet each time he gained compassion and understanding. This has taught me something valuable about life: love others even when there’s a risk of losing them. It is always worth it to love.

Edward taught me that opening up is not a weakness, but a strength. He showed me to feel deeply, because it's what makes us human.

This is a forever book that changed a little girl’s point of view and shaped the perspective of a young woman I’m becoming.