Leap into Courage with Online Harrovian’s New Poem

Online Harrovian and talented young poet Aditi Banerjee, has penned an inspiring new poem about bravery, freedom, questioning and speaking up.  

 

What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? 

If your feet were not held down by the gravity of expectation? 

 

Leap Into Courage was included in an end-of-month assembly run by Indira House, and transformed into an uplifting video made by Aditi, with the support of her fellow student Juan Miguel Bastidas. 

 

Tomorrow, I think I will try and change the world… 

and then I will try again because I know I probably won't get it the first time and, 

That’s OK! 

 

The poem’s release follows 16-year-old Aditi’s recent successes as one of 85 commended poets in the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, and a writer published for National Poetry Day. 

 

Watch Leap Into Courage: 

 

 

Aditi makes regular contributions to the school beyond her academic work, including contributions to the Online Harrovian. All pupils are encouraged to combine academic progress with a wide range of activities that develop character, foster friendships and promote leadership and personal fulfilment.  

 

Explore more of Aditi’s work as a spoken word artist on her YouTube channel SaveOurWorld. 

 

Aditi’s full poem, can be found below: 

 

What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? 

If your feet were not held down by the gravity of expectation? 

If your head was not hung by the weight of failure? 

If your mind was free to fly without a tether to perfection? 

How much courage could you find to attempt the unimaginable?

 

The feats deemed impossible simply because no one found the self-belief to try.

My courage is still a child playing hide and seek in the crevices of my mind,  

too shy to show its face, in the face of a challenge, or hardship, or opportunity,  

or a classroom of faces. 

Some days, I have to rummage through shelves of self-doubt to find it. 

 

Just to start a conversation, through an Adobe Connect frame screen.  

To ask a question. To put my hand up. To ask for help. Most days, 

Everest seems easier than the prospect of speaking up. Of calling out. Of questioning. 

Or simply saying “I don’t get it”.  

Getting up. Showing up. Being here, is the most courageous thing I have done today. 

 

Tomorrow, I think I will try and change the world. 

And then I will try again because I know I probably won't get it the first time and, 

that’s ok!