The Courage to Take a Seat: How Rosa Parks’ Story Inspired Me by Dulce

The Courage to Take a Seat: How Rosa Parks’ Story Inspired Me by Dulce - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

A book that has deeply impacted me is Rosa Parks: My Story. Before reading it, I only knew the basic version—that she refused to give up her bus seat and started the Civil Rights Movement. But in her own words, I learned so much more. I saw that her choice wasn’t just about one bus ride—it was the result of years of strength, quiet resistance, and the courage to stand up for what was right.
What really stood out to me was that Rosa Parks admitted she was afraid of what might happen. She wasn’t trying to be famous; she was simply tired of unfair treatment. That showed me that courage isn’t about not being scared—it’s about doing what’s right even when you are.
Her story also reminded me that change doesn’t happen alone. Rosa Parks’ action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but it was the community that kept it going for over a year until segregation on buses finally ended. That lesson sticks with me: one person’s courage can inspire others, but lasting change takes unity and persistence.
This book made me think about my own choices. I don’t face the same struggles Rosa Parks did, but I do have times when it’s hard to speak up or stay true to my values. Her story encourages me to be braver, even in small ways, because even little acts of courage can matter.
Reading Rosa Parks showed me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Rosa Parks inspires me to use my voice, to stand firm in what I believe, and to remember that real change can start with one simple but powerful act.