Atticus Finch by Katyana
Katyana's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2025 scholarship contest
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Atticus Finch by Katyana - October 2025 Scholarship Essay
I learned from Atticus Finch: Atticus Finch, the wise and principled lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, taught me a profound lesson about empathy,understanding,and moral courage. Living in the racially charged atmosphere of the Depression era South,Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Through Atticus actions and words, I learned the importance of standing up for what is right,even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. One of the most significant lessons Atticus imparts is the necessity of seeing the world from another person perspective. He famously says, You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view….Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. This quote emphasizes the value of empathy and the need to look beyond one’s own experience and prejudice to truly understand others. Atticus demonstrates this by treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their social status or race.Atticus commitment to justice and equality in the face of intense community pressure is inspiring. He faces criticism, threats, and even violence, but he never wavers in his belief that Tom Robinson deserves a fair trial. This moral courage taught me that doing what is right is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Atticus Finch’s character embodies the idea that empathy and moral courage are essential for creating a more just and compassionate world.