Courage Through Pain by Alexa

Courage Through Pain by Alexa - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my life, courage has always been “the ability to do something that frightens one” however, that is not the only thing that defines a courageous individual. Being courageous could be climbing Mount Everest or fighting through an illness. Courage can be found through fear, but it can also show through overcoming pain. I found my courage through a painful journey, and it has influenced me as I grow into adulthood.
Before my parents' divorce, I believed that I was courageous. In sixth grade I would have sworn that I held courage. I tried out for musicals even though I was nervous. I did activities that frightened me, like swimming. However, I was far from being courageous. After the covid pandemic faded into the background, my parents unfortunately found themselves in the middle of a divorce. My world was shattered. Throughout the turmoil, I needed to come to terms that my father, the man I considered my dad my whole life, was actually a full-fledged narcissist. Once my parents were separated, my father ended up shifting his narcissistic attacks from my mom to me. As the eldest sibling, I swore to protect my brother from these attacks which ended up making me a target. I became susceptible to gaslighting, manipulation, and overall disrespect for my plans.
Almost four years have passed, and I have come out of this endeavor stronger, braver, and more courageous than ever. Courage to me means “finding strength in the face of great pain.” I have learned to stand up for myself and my brother in the face of mental assault. I have dedicated my being to showing kindness to others even when I do not get it back. I have learned to fight an uphill battle against an adult who should be the one protecting and teaching me, not beating me down to raise himself up. Finding and learning courage has taught me confidence, humility, and respect towards everyone I meet and standing up for what is true, good, and beautiful.