Definition of Hope
Here is my personal definition of hope.
The first major assignment asks students to define hope in light of course content. They will need to explain: 1) how their own personal experience and hopes for the future inform the definition; 2) how specific sources from the class influenced their definition (either by support or by way of contrast); and 3) how their definition overcomes the harmful dimensions of hope explored in the first part of the course.
Jane’s Example
When I consider hope, I often imagine the bells you hear at a cross country meet that encourage you to keep running. Or a dream about acing your test after studying all night. Or even children laughing and playing in the street during a time of war. Although, these images have helped my grasp a concept of hope, I was first able to define hope after considering the powerful foundations in my life. I have been very lucky to be gifted friends and family that have supported me throughout my life. But no one has supported me more than my siblings. I grew up with two brothers, Teddy and Mac that stood by my side and will always have my back. This became evident when I struggled to learn how to read in elementary school. My parents and teachers realized I was struggling more than my classmates to read and finish my assignments and quickly hired me a tutor who helped me strengthen my literature skills. Unfortunately, this overwhelmed me with exercises and attention that I was not expecting. This made me shut down and feel hopeless about my future academic success. I often hid from my tutor and acted out in class to distract from my lack of progress.
I would define hope as a perseverant foundation within an individual’s soul that carries them through challenging times