Courage with Compassion: A Lesson from Katniss Everdeen by Kelis

Courage with Compassion: A Lesson from Katniss Everdeen by Kelis - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

In the book, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen is a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and survival. But beyond that she is a symbol for her physical courage and resourcefulness, her understanding in the face of cruelty that has left the greatest impression on me.
Katniss started her journey by volunteering for death sentence, not for recognition or applause from her peers, but to protect her younger sister. The moment of self-sacrifice revealed who she really is: someone who valued the lives of others above her own safety. During the Games, Katniss consistently chooses humanity over savagery. She forms an alliance with Rue, a younger tribute, not just for strategy but out of genuine care. When Rue dies, Katniss honors her not as an enemy, but as a person. In a world designed to strip people of their empathy, she refuses to let hers be taken.
From Katniss, I’ve learned that courage doesn’t always look like fighting battles—it can be quiet, internal, and rooted in values. Living in a world where competition and individual achievement are often emphasized, it can be easy to see others as obstacles. But Katniss taught me that staying true to your principles, even when it’s inconvenient or risky, is a deeper kind of strength. It’s something I’ve tried to embody in my academic and personal life: speaking up when a classmate is treated unfairly, choosing collaboration over competition, and staying grounded in empathy, even in stressful or high-pressure situations.
Katniss also showed me that leadership is not about being in charge—it’s about being someone others can believe in. She never set out to lead a rebellion, but by acting out of integrity and compassion, people naturally followed her. This has inspired me to lead by example. Whether it's helping organize a school drive for families in need or mentoring younger students, I’ve learned that influence is earned through actions, not titles.
As I pursue higher education, I carry with me the lesson Katniss modeled: that in the face of injustice, silence is a choice—and not the right one. I want to study political science and advocacy so I can work toward a society that values justice and equity, where no one has to fight alone. Katniss Everdeen may be a fictional character, but her refusal to become numb to suffering has shaped my real-world values.
Her story reminds me that even in the darkest systems, one person’s compassion can light the spark for change.