On Wednesday, December 4, students defined what courage means based on their Brown Bag Lunch Courage One Pager. The goal of this assignment, which was completed by students in all History/Social Science classes (World History, US History, Economics, and Government), was to help students understand the definition of courage, know examples of courage, and be able to identify where courage comes from. From freshmen to seniors, their thoughts were as diverse as their experiences, yet all carried a common thread: courage is deeply personal and takes many forms.
Sophia Martinez, a freshman, reflected on her struggle with public speaking. “Courage is about facing your fears, even when you’re unsure of the outcome,” she said. Martinez recounted how volunteering to present in front of her class helped her build confidence, turning fear into strength.
For sophomore Liam Chen, courage is about conviction. “It’s sticking to your values, even unpopular ones,” he explained. Chen drew parallels to historical figures he studied in US History, emphasizing that standing up for one’s beliefs often requires immense bravery.
Junior Emily Johnson shared a more personal take. “Courage is pushing through difficult times, like when I supported my friend through a tough situation,” she said. Johnson highlighted how moments of emotional vulnerability have helped her grow as a friend and an individual.
Senior Carlos Ramirez found inspiration in a recent Brown Bag Lunch speaker, a local firefighter. “Courage means standing up for someone who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said, explaining that true bravery often involves advocating for others, even when it’s challenging.
Meanwhile, freshman Alex Nguyen described courage as stepping into the unknown. “Courage is trying something new, like joining the soccer team, even though I was scared of failing.” His One-Pager creatively illustrated this idea with a goalpost and a soccer ball, symbolizing his journey.
Junior Maya Patel viewed courage through the lens of self-acceptance. “Courage is accepting who you are, flaws and all,” she said, drawing connections to lessons on civil rights leaders who championed authenticity and self-worth.
Sophomore Jordan Lee saw courage as making difficult moral choices. “It’s choosing what’s right over what’s easy,” he said, referencing historical examples of individuals who made sacrifices for the greater good.
These students’ reflections reveal that courage is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether overcoming personal fears, standing by your principles, or supporting others, courage takes on many forms, each shaped by individual experiences and challenges. As they combine lessons from the classroom and life, their One-Pagers serve as powerful demonstrations of the nature of bravery.
