Lessons of Katniss Everdeen by Camryn

Lessons of Katniss Everdeen by Camryn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

Growing up as the eldest daughter in my family, I often struggled to find a role model who reflected my experiences. I was shy and reserved, yet also fiercely independent. Asking for help never came easily to me, and I often felt like I had to navigate challenges on my own. The first fictional character I truly connected with was Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. I saw myself in her strength, independence, and resilience. Through her story, I learned three important lessons about loyalty, independence, and resistance—values that continue to guide me today.

From a young age, I was taught that loyalty is one of the most important traits a person can have. To me, loyalty means showing up for the people you care about, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult. Throughout school, I sometimes struggled with friend groups that didn’t always share that same sense of commitment. Katniss, however, embodies loyalty in its truest form. She volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, putting her own life on the line out of love and devotion. Her willingness to protect her family and friends taught me how powerful loyalty can be. One phrase I’ve always remembered from sports is, “The best ability is availability.” I try to live by that idea. Not just on the field, but in my relationships too. Even if I’m not the funniest or smartest person in the room, I make sure my loved ones know they can count on me. Like Katniss, I’ve learned that showing up for others can have a lasting impact.

Independence is another quality Katniss and I share. As the oldest sibling, I developed a strong sense of independence early on. While this trait helps me stay self-sufficient and determined, it can also isolate me from others. Watching Katniss navigate her own independence has helped me better understand this balance. She relies on her skills and instincts to survive, yet she also learns the importance of trusting others. Her story reminds me that independence doesn’t mean facing the world alone, it means having the strength to stand on your own while still accepting support when needed. I’ve come to see my independence as both a strength and a responsibility. Like Katniss, I hope to inspire my younger siblings and friends to think and act for themselves, because self-reliance is one of the most empowering qualities a person can have.

Finally, Katniss has taught me the importance of resistance. The world of The Hunger Games portrays a society ruled by fear and control, where the Capitol holds total power over the districts. Katniss becomes a symbol of defiance and hope, proving that even one person can spark change. While I don’t live under such extreme conditions, I see echoes of authoritarianism and inequality in today’s society. Katniss’s courage reminds me that it’s possible and necessary to stand up for what’s right, no matter how small your voice feels. Her resistance has inspired me to question authority, seek truth, and never stay silent in the face of injustice. I hope to one day be a light for others, just as she was for her world.

Katniss Everdeen has become more than just a fictional character to me; she is a guide and a reminder of who I strive to be. Her loyalty inspires me to be present for the people I love. Her independence strengthens my confidence in my own abilities. And her resistance encourages me to challenge unfair systems and speak out for what I believe in. Through her story, I’ve learned that even the quietest person can make a powerful difference—something I now try to embody in my own life.