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Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
The “ESPYS” which is a sports award show hosted by ESPN to highlight significant achievements in sports during the past year. There were several remarkable stories that were highlighted during the award show that were meant noting but few personified the definition of courage, as did the story of Pat Summitt. There is no coincidence that she actually was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Coach Summitt’s story is actually a remarkable one, she looked fear, disappointment, and embarrassment in the face with an exemplary confidence and unwavering faith that they would be defeated. Pat Summitt has recently retired from coaching but before she made this bold move she made an even bolder one. Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease and despite this condition she continued coaching despite how people would perceive her. She knew that people would think that her condition would not allow her to coach at the level she had been accustomed to and would suffer a great deal of humiliation for putting herself and the team she loved in such a position. Despite what the critics had to say she still went on to lead her team to another SEC championship. Pat Summitt personified courage throughout her career and the award she won was well deserved. My challenge is to get the kids I work with to face adversity on their level with this type of courage. Far too many times I have witnessed talented and gifted kids throw in the towel on situations I had confidence they were able to be successful but that same confidence was lacking in the kids. It takes courage to stand out and take pride in yourself and your education while not bending to the social pressures of being cool over being educated. It takes courage to fight for the things you believe at the risk of being alienated from your peers. I want to be able to empower the kids I work with to not be afraid to try and have the courage to reach for their dreams.
For more information on Coach Summitt and her appearance at the ESPYs click here
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