A Lesson from Atticus Finch by Luke

A Lesson from Atticus Finch by Luke - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned came from Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. He taught me that real courage isn’t about winning—it’s about standing strong even when things don’t go your way. That lesson became real for me after I got injured playing baseball.

Baseball has always been my passion. It’s what I’ve built my confidence and friendships around. When I got hurt, everything changed. I couldn’t play, and at first, I felt lost. Watching my teammates from the sidelines was harder than I expected. I started to question if I still mattered to the team.

Then I remembered Atticus facing a trial he knew he would probably lose, but still giving his best effort because it was the right thing to do. That changed how I looked at my situation. I couldn’t control being injured, but I could control my attitude. So I kept showing up to practices, cheering for my teammates, and helping where I could. I started helping younger players improve, and I realized that leadership doesn’t only come from being on the field—it can come from how you support others.

Recovery wasn’t easy, but I learned patience and discipline through physical therapy. When I finally came back, I was stronger, not just physically, but mentally. I saw that success isn’t just about personal stats—it’s about how you handle setbacks and help others through theirs.

Atticus Finch taught me that courage means staying true to yourself no matter the challenge. My injury taught me to live that out. Together, they shaped me into someone who leads with resilience, empathy, and quiet strength.