The lesson I’ve learned from a fictional character in a book. by Habib Maxwell

Habib Maxwell's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2025 scholarship contest

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The lesson I’ve learned from a fictional character in a book. by Habib Maxwell - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I first moved to the United States, everything felt new and difficult. The language, the culture, even the way people spoke in class were all different from what I was used to. I was nervous and shy, afraid of making mistakes when speaking English. But during my first year of high school, I read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and the character of Atticus Finch completely changed how I see the world and how I face challenges.

Atticus Finch is a lawyer in a small town in Alabama during a time of deep racism. He decides to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a terrible crime. Everyone in town turns against him. People insult him, talk badly about his children, and make him feel isolated. But what struck me most was that Atticus never loses his calm, his kindness, or his faith in justice. He shows that true strength is not in fighting with fists, but in standing firm for what is right even when you are standing alone.

Before reading this book, I used to think courage was about being strong or fearless. But Atticus taught me that real courage is doing the right thing even when you know you might lose. In the story, he tells his children, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” That sentence stayed in my heart. It made me realize how important it is to see life from other people’s eyes.

When I came to this country, I sometimes felt misunderstood. My accent was different, and some classmates didn’t talk to me much because they didn’t know me yet. At first, I felt angry and alone. But remembering Atticus’s lesson, I tried to see things from their perspective too. Maybe they were shy or didn’t know how to start a conversation either. Instead of feeling bad, I started smiling more, asking questions, and being kind. Slowly, people began to open up, and I made good friends.

Another thing I learned from Atticus is the importance of integrity doing the right thing even when no one is watching. He doesn’t care about popularity or comfort; he cares about his conscience. That lesson helped me in school when I faced small but real choices, like telling the truth even if it could get me in trouble, or helping someone even if it meant staying late after class. It reminded me that being a good person is more important than being admired.

Reading about Atticus’s calm wisdom also changed how I handle fear. Before, I would get nervous easily before tests, presentations, or interviews. But Atticus faces huge pressure and still stays calm because he knows he’s doing what’s right. I learned that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect; it comes from being honest and prepared. So now, when I study or apply for something, I tell myself: “Do your best, stay true, and don’t give up.”

That mindset helped me apply for my first job and for scholarships like this one. Even though English isn’t my first language, I’m learning to express myself better each day. Atticus’s courage gives me strength to keep trying, even when it’s not easy.

What also touched me in the story is how Atticus teaches his children about empathy. He wants them to be kind even to those who hate them. He believes that hate only grows when people stop trying to understand each other. That message is powerful in today’s world, where people often argue or judge without listening. It made me realize that kindness is not a weakness it’s one of the greatest strengths a person can have.

In my own life, I’ve tried to follow that example. When I see someone at school sitting alone, I try to talk to them. When a classmate struggles with math or English, I help if I can. I’ve learned that small acts of kindness can create big change. Atticus didn’t just defend one man; he defended the idea that everyone deserves respect. That’s the kind of person I want to become someone who helps others, even in small ways.

I also connect this lesson to my dream of becoming an engineer or pilot. Both paths require discipline, honesty, and courage. An engineer must solve problems responsibly, because lives can depend on their work. A pilot must stay calm and make smart decisions even in stressful situations. Those are the same values Atticus lived by. He stayed calm under pressure, he thought deeply, and he never let fear control him. If I can carry those lessons into my future career, I know I’ll succeed not only as a professional but as a person.

In the end, To Kill a Mockingbird is not just a story about law or racism. It’s a story about a character about being good even when the world isn’t. Atticus Finch may be a fictional character, but the lesson he taught me is real: courage, empathy, and integrity can change everything.

Now, whenever I face something difficult like learning new words, speaking in front of the class, or chasing my big goals I remind myself of Atticus. He once said, “It’s not time to worry yet.” That simple line helps me breathe, smile, and keep going.

Because of him, I’ve learned that even if life puts you in a new country, a hard situation, or a lonely moment, you can always choose to stand tall, stay kind, and do what’s right. That’s the most important lesson I’ve ever learned not just from a book, but for life itself.

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