The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

LUCIA “LULU” MOFFI
AMY HIGGINBOTHAM AND RICHARD SCHENA, TEACHERS
Dennis C. Haley Pilot School, Boston, MA
What courage means to me is being brave. Find your bravery and stick up for
yourself. Do what you love; no one’s stopping you. Overcome your fear, don’t
be scared, feel that light that’s inside you. Your light can guide you. Feel it,
show it, don’t run.
One time I showed courage in my life was when my family gave me courage as
a daughter and a sister. They think I’m special inside. When Mom and Dad
first raised me and gave birth to me, when I was little, they thought I was
adorable. They found a perfect name for me, “Lucia Esperanza.” “Esperanza”
means hope, and “Lucia” means light. My courage is hope and light.
The time I showed courage was at the Murphy talent show. I went to a holiday
party at Murphy School. There was a talent show that I wanted to be a part of.
I had to perform, but I was nervous. This was my first time being in a talent
show. For my performance, I was singing “At All Costs” from the movie Wish.
I had a crush on the king of Rosas, the character who sings the song. His name
is King Magnifico, and he is very handsome and has a cello for a voice. I had
to perform in front of many people and the Boston Special Education Parent
Advisory Council. My mom was a part of the show as the Christmas tree.
There was a ticket raffle. The winner got a prize.
“I WAS ABLE TO STAND
STRONG AND ROCKED IT.”
Overcoming my fear is inspirational to not only me, but others as well. I see
courage as something everyone can have. My words to others are to face your
fears and not give up. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to.
You just have to believe in yourself!
After waiting for others to perform, it was finally my turn. I felt nervous but also
confident. I can do this, I’m twelve, my brain said. I stood up strong on the tiled
floor, took a deep breath, and started to sing, with a picture of Magnifico next
to me in my mind. He even sang with me, and I began to sing along with my
favorite song to sing, “At All Costs.” I felt butterflies in my stomach. As I kept
singing, it felt like flowers coming out of my stomach.
At the end of my performance, I couldn’t believe I had done it. I also was
proud of myself.
After waiting until it was my turn, I was so excited and proud of myself. It was
not easy, but I did it! All the stars!
Courage is to become more mature and braver. It allowed me to overcome
some fears. I was able to stand strong and rocked it. It allowed me to want
to perform more in my life.
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
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