The Power of Choice: Lessons from Quan Banks in Dear Justyce by Cadeyn

Cadeyn's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2025 scholarship contest

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The Power of Choice: Lessons from Quan Banks in Dear Justyce by Cadeyn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

Reading Dear Justyce by Nic Stone opened my eyes to the complexities of life, the weight of decisions, and the courage it takes to face consequences. Quan Banks, the protagonist, taught me one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned: your circumstances may shape you, but they do not have to define you. Throughout the book, Quan is faced with impossible situations, moments that could break anyone, yet he continuously demonstrates the power of choice, even in a system stacked against him.

From the beginning, Quan’s life is a balancing act between his own dreams and the harsh realities of the streets he grew up in. He wants to be a good student, to have a future, to prove that he can rise above the odds, but society often seems determined to pin him down. One striking moment that stayed with me is when Quan faces a situation involving a police officer. The fear, confusion, and split-second decisions he must make in that encounter show how quickly a single choice can alter the course of someone’s life. Reading that, I felt a mix of anger and sadness but also awe at Quan’s ability to process the situation and try to act with integrity, despite the unfair circumstances surrounding him.

Another scene that profoundly impacted me is when Quan writes letters to Justyce, reflecting on his experiences, mistakes, and the people he has hurt. In one letter, he speaks honestly about his regrets and his longing for redemption. The way Stone portrays this moment made me realize that vulnerability isn’t weakness--it’s courage. Quan doesn’t hide behind excuses; he confronts his actions, owning both his successes and his failures. That struck a chord with me because it reminded me of the importance of reflection and accountability in my own life. It’s easy to blame circumstances, peers, or even adults, but true growth comes when you honestly face the role you play in your own story.

Quan’s relationship with Justyce also highlighted the importance of support and mentorship. Throughout the book, we see how having someone to confide in and someone who believes in him allows Quan to think differently about himself and his future. This reminded me that resilience isn’t built in isolation. Life can feel overwhelming, but having people who see your potential and hold you accountable can make all the difference. Quan’s willingness to lean on someone else, even when he’s embarrassed or ashamed, taught me that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
One of the most emotional lessons comes from Quan’s reflection on the choices he made that led to incarceration. The weight of his actions and the consequences he faces are crushing, yet what stood out most to me is how he never fully gives up on himself. Quan’s story made me confront the harsh reality that society often punishes people unfairly, especially young Black men, and yet it also showed me the resilience of the human spirit. Despite everything, Quan still dreams, still writes, and still hopes. It made me realize that courage doesn’t mean never being afraid or never failing; it means continuing to move forward, even when the world seems determined to keep you down.

Reading Dear Justyce changed how I view mistakes, fear, and choice. Quan taught me that life will not always be fair, and sometimes the system is stacked against you, but the decisions you make in response to that unfairness define your character. It also reminded me that hope is not naive; it’s a choice. You can choose to hold onto it, to fight for your future, and to believe that your life is more than the worst moment you’ve experienced. Quan’s journey gave me a model for navigating challenges in my own life, reminding me that resilience is often quiet and persistent rather than loud and dramatic.

Finally, Quan’s story inspired me to think about how I can support others facing challenges beyond their control. By reading his story, I gained a deeper empathy for people whose lives are shaped by systemic injustice, poverty, and bias. I realized that understanding someone’s story, their struggles, and the choices they face, can be transformative, not just for them, but for the way we act in our own communities. Quan Banks showed me that courage, reflection, and empathy are interconnected, and that each small choice we make can ripple outward in ways we never expect.
In conclusion, Quan Banks from Dear Justyce taught me lessons I will carry for the rest of my life. He showed me that courage is choosing to act with integrity in the face of fear, that vulnerability is a form of strength, and that hope and resilience are choices we make every day, even when circumstances are unfair. Most importantly, he reminded me that while we cannot always control the world around us, we can control how we respond, and in those responses, we define who we are. Quan’s story is heartbreaking, raw, and powerful, and it has shaped how I approach my own challenges, my empathy for others, and my belief in the power of choice.

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