What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger by Sean

What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger by Sean - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

I have always been the type of person who followed the crowd. I have strong morals and values but lack the courage to lead. In school, sports, and other hobbies I always wanted to be like someone whom I saw as "better" than me but I never truly understood how I could possibly be someone I always believed I wasn’t. My parents and people I look up to have always told me I have what it takes to be a leader but it's much more difficult to believe that of yourself. After reading the novel Divergent by Veronica Roth, I was fascinated by the “lead” character Beatrice. Beatrice started at the bottom of the food chain as a weak, scared, and blind follower. She found the courage within herself to overcome the limits imposed by society as well as those she imposed upon herself. This may have just been a work of fiction to some, but to me it was an inspiration to find courage and become the leader that I know I can be and to become the best version of myself.

The character Tris, also known as Beatrice, was a character that was determined to overcome her lot in life. She was working to become a part of the faction Dauntless but there were many people stronger and more fearless. Even as she was competing, and often time losing, she never gave up. She kept working to be stronger, better and faster. Tris kept working while everyone else was resting, because she knew she needed to be in the top 20 people in the faction or she would be faction less. She was abused, harassed, bullied and beaten the entire time she was competing. She had to put up with this torment but she acted like it didn't faze her, because her goal was to be in the top 20 and if she showed any weakness she knew they wouldn’t let her survive it. Tris’ character is one that has overcome not only the faithlessness of others in her, but also her own demons and self-doubt.

The part of the novel that reveals Tris’ true character comes after she is told that she has been eliminated from the competition, and that she is in fact, faction less. Her spirit will not be broken and she will not accept defeat. She is determined to be a member of the Dauntless faction. Unwelcomed by the faction she joined them anyway, the high rankings of Dauntless saw how determined and strong willed she was and gave her a second chance. The ridicule and abuse did not ease and Beatrice was treated different than everyone else. They could not break her spirit. I am surrounded by people that support me every day. Family, friends, coaches, teachers, and classmates that will be there to help me through. Tris was surrounded by people that were intimidated, judgmental, critical, and abusive and still she was determined to better herself.

Beatrice’s hard work and determination had paid off in the end, but I may not be able to say it’s something I could do myself. She influenced me with her hard work and ability to rise above the harassment. It's remarkable what it is possible to overcome even with when it seems hopeless. I feel this has taught me a lot about not following along and taking on more initiative in being a better leader. I have personally recognized that I need to push myself to be better, and allow myself to feel the pressure of being better at every opportunity. I accomplish more when I rise to the challenge instead of following along blindly. Tris’ struggle has made me realize that in order to achieve those things that I have set as goals in my life, I need to overcome the adversity, challenge myself and those around me, and constantly be a person that takes the risks and leads the charge.