The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

N. ALTANTSOOJ
N. MUNKH-ERDENE, TEACHER
5th School of Bayankhongor Province, Bayankhongor Province, Mongolia
My close friend and I were filled with excitement on that rainy day, eager to
venture out despite the drizzle. Armed with cups of coffee, we braved the
weather and stood outside, soaking in the ambiance. However, my headphones
suddenly stopped working, threatening to dampen our spirits. Undeterred, we
pressed on. As we listened to the melodic tunes of Franz Schubert with the
volume turned up, I found myself reflecting on the various forms of courage.
Courage comes in many shapes and forms—the courage to protect loved ones,
to express oneself, to defend one’s country, and more. Yet, amidst these,
I believe there’s something truly admirable about the courage to embrace
individuality. It’s the courage to dress comfortably without worrying about
others’ opinions, to freely voice one’s discontent without fear of judgment, to
stroll into public spaces without makeup, or to proudly carry a button phone.
It’s the courage to revel in the simple joys of life, unbothered by societal norms
or expectations.
“OUR SOCIETY OFTEN
PLACES UNDUE
IMPORTANCE ON
APPEARANCES AND
CONFORMITY, BUT
TRUE COURAGE
LIES IN DEFYING
THESE NORMS.”
In essence, courage is not just about facing external challenges; it’s also about
overcoming internal obstacles and staying true to our convictions. It’s the
courage to live authentically, unapologetically, and on our own terms. So, the
next time you find yourself hesitating to embrace your true self, ask yourself:
do I have the courage to be me?
Our society often places undue importance on appearances and conformity,
but true courage lies in defying these norms. It’s about being unapologetically
oneself, regardless of whether it garners approval from others. In a world where
conformity reigns supreme, those who dare to stand out are truly commendable.
I was recently reminded of this when I encountered a stranger who
unabashedly proclaimed, “I’m a mess.” This simple declaration struck a chord
with me, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace imperfection in a society
obsessed with perfection. Similarly, I witnessed an act of bravery when
someone dared to challenge societal norms by sleeping outdoors with their
belongings—a gesture that defied societal expectations and inspired admiration.
We are often consumed by fear and the desire to please others, but it’s essential
to remember that life is too short to live according to someone else’s standards.
Every decision we make comes with its own set of fears, but true courage lies in
facing these fears head on and staying true to ourselves. It’s about having the
strength to embrace our individuality, even if it means being despised by others.
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
148 149