My Lesson by Isaias

My Lesson by Isaias - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most important lessons I have learned from a fictional character comes from Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. He teaches the value of empathy, which means trying to understand people by seeing things from their point of view This lesson has made me think more about fairness, respect and kindness in my own life.

In the story Atticus is a lawyer living in a small town filled with unfairness and prejudice. When a Black man named Tom Robinson is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Atticus decides to defend him. Most people in town don’t like this, and they say terrible things about him. Still, Atticus stays calm and strong. He tells his daughter Scout that you never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view, until you climb inside their skin and walk around in it. That quote shows how much Atticus believes in seeing the world through other people’s eyes.
From Atticus I learned that empathy is more than just feeling sorry for someone. It means trying to imagine what their life is like, and why they think the way they do. This lesson helps me every day, especially when I meet people who are different from me. Instead of judging them right away, I try to listen and understand. When I do that, I often realize that people have reasons for what they do even if I disagree with them. It makes me more patient, and more willing to forgive.

Another thing Atticus teaches is that real courage isn’t about fighting or winning, it’s about doing what’s right even when you know it’s hard. He doesn’t let anger control him, even when people insult him for helping Tom Robinson. He shows that staying calm and respectful can sometimes be stronger than shouting or fighting back. That kind of quiet strength is something I really admire.

In the end, Atticus Finch taught me to be kind, fair, and brave. His lesson about empathy reminds me that everyone has their own story and struggles If more people tried to understand others before judging them, the world would be a much more caring and peaceful place to live in.