Perseverance and Courage to Grow: A Lesson from Izuku Midoriya by Akira

Perseverance and Courage to Grow: A Lesson from Izuku Midoriya by Akira - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

In the vast world of manga and anime, few characters have resonated with readers and viewers quite like Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of Kohei Horikoshi’s popular manga series, My Hero Academia. Often referred to as “Deku,” Midoriya shows perseverance, self-improvement, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams against seemingly impossible odds. Through his journey, I have learned a lesson about the importance of perseverance and the courage to change, a lesson that continues to inspire me in the face of my own challenges.

At the beginning of My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya is presented as an underdog. Born without a Quirk—superpowers that most of the world’s population possesses—he is at a disadvantage. In a society where being a hero is both a popular aspiration and a career, lacking a Quirk is not just a personal hardship; it’s a social disadvantage. Despite this, Midoriya never lets his lack of a quirk extinguish his dream of becoming a hero. He studies the heroes he admires, takes notes, and strives to understand their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. His dedication to learning, even when he feels powerless, is the first indicator of his resilience.

The pivotal moment in Midoriya’s journey occurs when he meets his idol, All Might, the world’s greatest hero. It is here that the most important lesson is taught—not just to Midoriya, but to the audience as well: true heroism is not defined by innate power, but by the willingness to act selflessly, even at great personal risk. When Midoriya runs toward danger to save his classmate Bakugo from a villain, All Might recognizes the boy’s courageous spirit. This act of selflessness becomes the catalyst for All Might to choose Midoriya as his successor and pass on the power of One For All.

What stands out to me is that Midoriya’s leap into danger was not motivated by the expectation of success, nor by a belief in his own ability. He acted because he could not stand idly by while someone was in need of help. This moment strengthens the core lesson I have learned from Midoriya: Perseverance is not just about enduring hardship; it is about having the courage to act, even when the odds are not in your favor. It is about believing that your actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can make a difference.

Receiving One For All does not instantly solve Midoriya’s problems. In fact, it actually introduces greater challenges. His body is initially unable to withstand the immense power, resulting in frequent injuries and setbacks. Yet, rather than giving up, he uses these challenges as opportunities to grow. He seeks advice from mentors, trains relentlessly, and studies how best to use his new abilities without harming himself. Midoriya’s willingness to adapt and learn from his mistakes is another valuable lesson he demonstrates: growth is a continuous process, fueled by reflection, humility, and a determination to improve.

As the story progresses, Midoriya’s journey is marked by failures as much as by successes. He faces powerful villains, endures losses, and struggles with the burden of expectation. But each time he falls, he gets back up, more determined than before. His resilience is not born from invincibility, but from vulnerability. He acknowledges his fears and doubts, but does not let them dictate his actions. This portrayal of perseverance challenges the traditional heroism as perfection. Instead, Midoriya shows that true strength lies in embracing one’s weaknesses and striving to overcome them.

One of the most impactful moments in the series is Midoriya’s relationship with his peers, particularly with Bakugo. Despite their complicated history, Midoriya never gives up on reaching out to Bakugo, valuing their shared experiences and mutual growth. This underscores another lesson: Perseverance is not a one-man endeavor. It is about building connections, supporting others, and allowing oneself to be supported in return. Midoriya’s kindness and empathy draw people to him, showing a sense of community and shared purpose.

Reflecting on Midoriya’s journey, I have come to understand that perseverance is a multi-quality. While it involves enduring hardship, it is also about the courage to take risks, the humility to seek help, and the determination to learn from failure. It is about holding onto hope, even when circumstances seem uncertain, and believing in the possibility of change. Midoriya’s story has taught me that while talent and power are valuable, they lack in comparison to the strength of character made through journeys.

His journey reminds me that progress is not always straightforward and that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to grow. Most importantly, he has taught me that the willingness to persevere—to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps—can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Izuku Midoriya’s story in My Hero Academia is more than just an entertaining tale of heroism. It is a powerful reminder that greatness is not defined by what we are born with, but by what we choose to do with what we have. Through his example, I have learned that perseverance, courage, and the determination to grow are the true marks of a hero.