Courage in Adversity: Should Yasmin focus on winning or help Alessia?

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 8.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Consider a young athlete who faces a tough opponent. Instead of giving up, they push through the challenge, surprising everyone with their determination and ultimately gaining respect from their peers and coaches.

The Choice

Should Yasmin focus on winning or help Alessia?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 8.1
Word Count
303 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Yasmin and Alessia grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. One day, during recess, their class decides to have a friendly soccer match. Yasmin is chosen as the team captain for her side, while Alessia is on the opposing team. As the game progresses, Yasmin notices that Alessia is having a hard time keeping up with the rest of her team. Alessia looks frustrated and on the verge of giving up. Yasmin knows that if she encourages her team to play their best, they might win the game, but she also sees that Alessia could use some encouragement to keep going. Yasmin Something has to give.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Courage
vs
Compassion

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Lead her team to victory.

B

Encourage Alessia to keep playing.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    Why might it be important to help a friend who is struggling?

  3. 3

    How does courage help us in difficult times?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Yasmin in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

courage
empathy
sportsmanship
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
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Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Courage in Adversity — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Courage in Adversity — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation