Strength in Kindness by Cameya

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

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Strength in Kindness by Cameya - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most important lessons I have learned from a fictional character came from Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Throughout the book, Atticus teaches his children and the people around him the value of empathy, honesty, and courage. The way he stands up for what is right, even when the world around him disagrees, taught me that doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always worth it. His actions showed that true strength comes from kindness and that standing up for others can change more than just one person’s life. What stood out to me the most about Atticus was how he treated everyone with respect, no matter who they were or what others thought of them. He never judged people by their background or appearance, and he always tried to understand where they were coming from. He taught his children that before you judge someone, you have to “walk in their shoes.” That quote has stayed with me ever since I first read it. It reminded me that empathy is one of the most powerful things a person can show, and it is something I try to live by every day. There have been times in my life when I have felt misunderstood or judged. I know how it feels when people make assumptions without really knowing what you are going through. Because of that, I try harder now to listen to others and give them the same patience I wish people had given me. Atticus’s lesson made me realize that being kind to others can create positive change, even in small ways that we don't realize. One simple act of understanding that we could forget along the way could change someone's whole perspective. This lesson is why I want to work in healthcare. Healthcare workers meet people from every background, and each patient has their own story. A lot of them may be scared, angry, or in pain, and it takes a lot of empathy, patience, and responsibility to care for them properly. Atticus’s words about walking in someone else’s shoes remind me to always walk in my patients' shoes and see people for who they really are. I deeply believe that when healthcare workers take their time to understand their patients, it makes a huge difference in how those patients heal and feel supported. Learning from Atticus Finch has helped me grow as a person. He shows me that courage is not about fighting or being loud, but about standing firm in what you believe is right, even if you stand alone. He also showed me that kindness and empathy are not signs of weakness but of strength. I try to carry that lesson with me in everything I do, whether it is in school, at work, or with my family. His story continues to inspire me to be patient, understanding, and brave. This story reminds me that even small actions, when done with compassion, can have a lasting impact on others.

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