“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” This was said in the 2001 Disney teen comedy titled The Princess Diaries. It is not a typical place to find a mantra that impacts and inspires, but I have found that this quote is relevant to me and helps me in difficult times. After I had graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to go to college and get a degree, but I did not yet know what specific journey or degree I wanted. I foolishly chose fashion design thinking it would be an easy and fun major. This left me feeling depressed and empty, and it took a whole month of torturous fashion classes to finally realize my feelings. After a difficult day in sewing class, I asked myself why I was there; however, I could not find an answer. I felt terrified once I came to the conclusion that I wanted to quit for a while and let myself take my time in choosing a path. What would my parents say? Would they understand? But I realized that my happiness and certainty as I pursued my future was more important than the fear of growing up and taking true responsibility. I left school for a few months, got a part-time job, and found my love for writing, English, and academics. I felt liberated. This brave step was the wisest choice I ever made, and I hope that my mantra will continue to motivate me in difficult situations in the future. This quote realizes the human nature of fear and does not belittle those who have it. Fear is important, but our character and judgment can get us through those moments of fear. This takes effort, determination, resilience, courage, and heart but I learned I possess those qualities that day I left fashion. I think this quote embodies the advice of what I need most in uncertain times, but it also represents my love for stories, fiction, and movies because it comes from that. In that movie, Mia is a teenager who learns she is a princess of a faraway land. She is next in line for the throne but is afraid to take it. In the end, she realizes that her low idea of herself is standing in her way and that the opportunity to help her kingdom is more important than her fear of being a princess. I want to write characters like the heroine Mia in The Princess Diaries who are strong not because of their power but because of their ability to grow. Strength is in learning important lessons and realizing opportunity despite the negative “maybes.” Fear is not a terrible thing despite what many say; when we conquer it, we prove our worth and inspire others to be more optimistic just as this movie and this quote have done for me. I am determined to inspire others through my courage, journey, and stories.