Year 11 Pastoral Guardian

What does it Mean to Be Brave? 

Bravery doesn't mean fearlessness; rather, it means doing something even though we are scared.  To be brave, your daughter needs to learn to tolerate feeling scared and not let fear hold her back.  Feeling afraid is often a sign that she is doing something new and challenging.  Unfortunately, if your daughter waits until she doesn't feel scared before she starts, she may never get there; missing fun experiences and learning opportunities.  (Kennedy, Harvard University,2020)

Here are some ways you can help your daughter become brave:

1. Acknowledge her feelings.
2. Let your daughter borrow your confidence.  Tell your daughter, "I know it's hard, but you can do it!"  Show faith in your daughter's ability to cope.
3. Share anecdotes/stories of triumph, stories of overcoming obstacles in daily life.
4. Model bravery.  Mirror brave actions and words.

Students Reveal their Perspectives on Bravery:

As the children of an era defined by significant cultural, technological, and social change, there is no doubt that our generation has experienced no shortage of freedom.  Yet, in these times of uncertainty, we can let our stress and anxiety consume us, leaving little, if any, room for the things that matter most.  Though it may be instinctual to shelter our loved ones from the uncertainty and worry that is and has been this year's events thus far, it is crucial to acknowledge these issues and provide support for those around us who struggle to cope.  Is it wise to keep convincing ourselves (and others) that these events will not have significant impacts and implications on our world's future?  Nothing good will come from internalising our stress in an attempt to appear 'strong' for others.  Instead, we need to treat everyone with the openness and honesty they deserve in the absence of the comfort and structure provided by our usual routines.  Parents can help us find our brave by not only being there as emotional support in times of difficulty, but by encouraging us to adapt to new challenges, better ourselves, and accept change.  While it may feel like so much is out of our control at the moment, with the support of our families we can, together, harness the little things we can control; we can find our brave.

Olivia Snape

Bravery is something that everyone has within them.  Being brave doesn’t have to be an act; rather it can be being vulnerable, being yourself.  Personally, when I don’t feel as though I can be brave, I know my parents and those who I love will always be brave for me. Bravery is such a powerful thing that can impact people without you even knowing, and that is why it is so important to be brave for others, especially when they are fighting with their own brave.  And always remember, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more then you know”. 

Laila Powell

Finding your inner brave is a challenge that everyone must face every day and is needed in most circumstances to make important choices.  For me personally, the people in my support network – most importantly my parents – have helped me find my inner brave when I face hard choices.  They encourage me to try my best and remind me that sometimes it is okay to fail,as long as I try my hardest.  Bravery means facing the challenge, regardless of what the outcome may be.  If you face the challenge and the outcome isn’t the best, bravery is persevering to try even harder next time. 

Sneha Reju

"You can choose courage or can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.”  (Brene Brown 2020)

Rhianna Janas

"Bravery is not absence of fear. Bravery is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity and deciding something else is important.”   (Marl Manson, 2020)

Charlotte Douglas