EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: THE TRANSFORMATIVE NATURE OF COURAGE IN STUDENT GROWTH

FLORDELIZA B. BRIÑA

Courage is an inspiring trait that allows us to move forward despite our fears. It involves acknowledging the fear while acting despite it. Courage is the willingness to act on your beliefs in the face of fear. It helps us make difficult decisions and step out of our comfort zone to forge a better future. Courage isn't the absence of fear, but rather the capacity to act despite fear. It's doing the right thing even when it's the fear that's the easier path. Courage is facing risks in the pursuit of something greater, for yourself and others. It's being brave enough to face your fears and fight for what you believe in. It takes courage to be resilient and stay strong when faced with difficulty. In the end, it's this courage that will give you the strength to pursue your dreams and make a difference in the world. As teachers, we can model courage to our students by showing them how to take risks while also staying aware of their fears. It is important to remind our students that true courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the ability to act even when we are afraid. And you can help guide and empower others to find the courage to face their fear, empowering them to make meaningful changes in their lives. Having courage is rooted in our faith and our knowledge that by choosing to act, regardless of fear, we are often guided to our greatest triumphs. Courage can open new paths, it can bring strength, and it can inspire us to keep going, no matter the odds. Courage is the capacity to move forward and act despite feeling fear. It is recognizing the fear and choosing to stand firm, continuing to work, and striving despite the fear. It is an ability that we must teach and nurture in our students and ourselves. Being courageous in the face of fear is a skill that can be learned, built, and strengthened with dedicated effort and guidance. The ability to act despite fear is what makes someone courageous. This can open up many new opportunities, experiences, and pathways for all.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Justino Sevilla High School Mangga Cacutud Arayat, Pampanga