Redefining Strength by Keandra

Redefining Strength by Keandra - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from a fictional character comes from Violet Sorrengail, the protagonist of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Violet’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite being thrust into an environment that seems designed to destroy her, she refuses to let fear, doubt, or her physical limitations define her. Through her journey, Violet teaches the powerful lesson that strength is not measured solely by physical might or dominance, but by persistence, self-awareness, and the willingness to grow even when the world seems determined to break you.

At the start of Fourth Wing, Violet is forced to attend Basgiath War College, a brutal training ground for dragon riders. Unlike many of her peers, she isn’t naturally built for battle, she’s small, bookish, and suffers from chronic health issues that make physical exertion difficult. Most people, including Violet herself, assume she won’t last long. Yet, instead of succumbing to fear or comparing herself to others, she learns to use her intellect and strategic thinking as her greatest weapons. This taught me that being different does not make someone less capable, it simply means they must carve a new path to success. Violet’s ability to analyze situations, adapt quickly, and turn her perceived weaknesses into strengths shows that intelligence and creativity can be just as powerful as brute force.

Another important lesson Violet embodies is the courage to be vulnerable. Throughout the novel, she grapples with insecurity, self-doubt, and the pressure to live up to the expectations of her mother and the legacy of her siblings. Rather than hiding those fears, Violet faces them head-on. She doesn’t pretend to be invincible; she simply chooses to keep moving forward despite the risks. In a world that often glorifies unshakable confidence, Violet reminds readers that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the decision to act in spite of it. This lesson resonates deeply with me because it reframes vulnerability as a source of power. Like Violet, I’ve learned that acknowledging weakness or uncertainty doesn’t make me weak; it makes me honest and, ultimately, stronger.
Violet’s relationships throughout the novel also reinforce the importance of trust and discernment. As she learns who she can rely on and who she must guard herself against, Violet grows from a cautious observer into a confident leader who understands that trust is earned through loyalty and action, not words alone. Her bond with Xaden Riorson, built on shared respect and mutual growth, highlights the value of partnerships rooted in understanding rather than dependence. This development taught me that surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, rather than simply agree with you, leads to the most meaningful growth.
Most of all, Violet’s perseverance illustrates that survival, and success, often comes down to mindset. She refuses to give up, even when failure seems inevitable. She listens, learns, and finds unconventional ways to overcome challenges. Her tenacity reminds me that progress isn’t linear; it’s a series of small victories, moments of doubt, and constant learning. Violet’s journey is proof that the most significant battles are often fought within ourselves…the fight to keep believing, to keep trying, and to keep growing.

In Violet Sorrengail, I see a reflection of what it means to be human: flawed, fearful, but determined to rise anyway. From her, I’ve learned that true strength is a balance of heart and mind, a combination of adaptability, empathy, and persistence. Whether facing academic challenges, personal setbacks, or moments of self-doubt, I often think back to Violet’s journey and remind myself that courage isn’t about never falling, it’s about standing back up, every single time.