The Clever Art of Staying True to Yourself: A Lesson from Fantastic Mr. Fox by Gabriella

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

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The Clever Art of Staying True to Yourself: A Lesson from Fantastic Mr. Fox by Gabriella - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

Sometimes, the most important lessons don't come from teachers or parents, but from stories. One story that taught me a lesson I will never forget is Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. At first, it seems like a simple children's book about talking animals that steal food from mean farmers. But if you look deeper, it is about identity, courage, and staying true to yourself, even when life pushes you to change. Mr. Fox taught me that no matter how many times the world tries to trap or limit you, you can always use creativity, teamwork, and confidence to rise above it. Most importantly, he taught me that being yourself is your greatest strength.
Mr. Fox is a clever, confident, and charming character who lives a life of excitement by stealing from three greedy farmers named Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. After he is almost caught, his wife begs him to stop stealing and live a safer life for the sake of their family. He tries to settle down, but deep inside, he cannot change who he truly is. He is a fox meant to outsmart and explore. When the farmers decide to hunt him down, digging up his home and destroying his world, Mr is forced to use his intelligence and courage to survive and protect his family. What he does next, leading an entire underground rescue missions for all the animals, shows that he does not survive. He thrives by embracing who he really is.
When I first read Fantastic Mr. Fox, I thought it was just a funny story. But as I got older, I realized that Mr. Fox's struggle was something I could relate to. Like him, I have felt pressure to act differently from who I really am to please others or avoid judgment. There have been times in my life when I felt I needed to play it safe and hide my personality, especially when people told me my dreams were unrealistic. Mr. Fox reminded me that trying to bury who you are only makes life harder. What truly helps you succeed is being bold enough to use your natural talents and think differently from everyone else.
One of the most important things about Mr. Fox is his cleverness under pressure. Even when the situation seems impossible, like when the farmers surrounded his home with guns and digging machines, he did not give up. He thinks fast, plans carefully, and finds creative ways to solve problems. His ability to stay calm and clever even in chaos taught me something about problem-solving in my own life. There have been times when school, work, and family challenges all felt overwhelming at once. Instead of panicking, I started thinking like Mr. Fox, taking a breath, looking at the problem from a new angle, and trusting my instincts. His confidence reminded me that smart solutions often come from creativity rather than fear.
There is also a deeper theme in Fantastic Mr. Fox about how society tries to level or limit people. The farmers see the animals as pests and try to destroy them for being who they are. But instead of changing themselves to please those in power, the animals build their own underground community were they can live freely. This reminded me that sometimes the world does not make space for who you are, and you have to create that space yourself. As someone who wants to make a difference in the world, I have learned that true change often starts from small acts of courage and creativity, just like Mr. Fox's underground feat that gives everyone hope.
By the end of the story, Mr Fox has not become perfect or safe, but he has found balance. He is still clever and mischievous, but now he uses those qualities to protect and uplift others. He teaches that self-acceptance does not mean ignoring your flaws. It means turning them into strengths. That idea changed how I see myself. i have learned that confidence is not about being fearless. it is about trusting that even when things go wrong, you have the ability to adapt and grow.
Ultimately, the lesson Mr. Fox taught me is one I will carry throughout my life. Success does not come from being what others expect. It comes from being who you truly are. In a world that often pressures people to fit into molds or follow safe paths, it takes courage to be original. Mr. Fox's story inspired me to approach life with cleverness, creativity, and confidence no matter what challenges I face.
When I think about my future in college and beyond, I want to follow the same mindset. I want to stay curious, take smart risks, and use my unique ideas to solve problems. Like Mr. Fox, I hope to inspire others to use their talents boldly and find freedom in authenticity. The lesson I learned from him is not just about surviving challenges. it is about thriving by embracing the parts of ourselves that make us different. That's is what Mr. Fox fantastic, and that is kind of person I want to be.

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