An Important Lesson Learned from Bud, Not Buddy by Lauryn

An Important Lesson Learned from Bud, Not Buddy by Lauryn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I first read Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, I didn’t expect to connect so deeply with a ten-year-old boy from the Great Depression. But Bud Caldwell’s story grabbed my heart. What stood out most was the way he turned his struggles into wisdom. Bud creates “Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself,” a personal guidebook based on what he’s lived through. I love that about him—he doesn’t just survive; he learns, reflects, and grows. From Bud, I learned that our past experiences, even the painful or challenging ones, can shape our future in powerful ways.

Bud’s idea of making rules from his experiences reminded me of the lessons I’ve learned through cheerleading, earning my black belt in karate, and my academic journey. Cheerleading has taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance. There are times when the routine feels impossible or when every muscle aches, but the moment we hit the final pose together makes it worth it. Karate, on the other hand, has taught me discipline, respect, and self-control. I still remember the day I tested for my black belt—hours of intense focus, repetition, and exhaustion—but also the deep pride that came from pushing past my limits. Bud had to do the same thing in his own way. Every rule he made came from a moment of struggle, but he used those lessons to stay strong and keep moving forward. His story reminds me that when challenges come, faith, focus, and hard work can carry me through.

One of Bud’s rules says, “When you make up your mind to do something, hurry up and do it.” That lesson really speaks to me. I’ve learned that if you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll be waiting forever—because there’s no such thing as perfect timing. Whether it’s trying out for cheer, stepping up as a leader, or taking on a challenge that scares me, the right time is usually now. I’ve found that confidence doesn’t come from having everything figured out; it comes from having the courage to start anyway. Like Bud, I’ve learned that progress begins the moment you stop hesitating and start believing that you can handle whatever comes next.

My faith in Christ is what gives all of these lessons meaning. Bud didn’t have an easy life, but he never gave up hope that there was something better ahead. I see that same kind of hope reflected in my faith. I believe that God uses every experience—the wins and the losses, the joy and the pain—to teach me something valuable. Whether I’m standing at the top of a pyramid, studying late for a test, or helping a teammate through a tough day, I try to approach it all with gratitude and purpose. Bud’s journey reminds me to do the same: to look back, learn, and move forward with faith.

By the end of Bud, Not Buddy, Bud doesn’t just find his father—he finds belonging, confidence, and direction. That’s what I want for my own life, too: to grow through my experiences, lead with compassion, and keep faith at the center of everything I do. Bud’s story taught me that the lessons we carry from our past aren’t meant to weigh us down; they’re meant to guide us. Like Bud, I want to keep creating my own “rules for life”—rules that remind me to work hard, lead with integrity, and trust that God has a plan for my future.