wikipediaThreatened by the dark silhouette and a cold knife pressed against her neck, the girl carefully followed every command knowing that the lives of every single one of her loved ones were at risk. Imagine waking up, not being able to move, cuffed to a chain so tight that every right for justice any human being deserves is no longer present. This seems like a nightmare itself, but was only the beginning of the next nine months of Elizabeth Smart’s life. Elizabeth Smart was born in Utah in 1987. She lived in a Mormon family, with her parents and her five siblings. Growing up, she was smart, kind, shy, and won several awards for academics and physical activity. At 14 years old, she was taken in the middle of the night, held captive by a man and his wife, and was repeatedly drugged, raped, and starved for 9 months of her life. After she was found, she turned her experience around and became an activist on behalf of kidnapping survivors and child victims of violence and sexual abuse, and shared her story with people all over the world. Elizabeth Smart possess Courageousness and Compassion through the traumatic experience in her life. She fell into a situation that she did not choose, yet only one with bravery and courageousness would be able to endure the things she has. Coming from this experience, she was able to rise again and took her compassion for others into a new direction that was life changing for people all over the world.Throughout the life of Elizabeth Smart, she deals with the unimaginable. After the deepest pits of her life she rises again with compassion and courage therefore she is a hero.
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Throughout the life of Elizabeth Smart, she suffered through so many experiences that no 14 year old should ever have to, making her very courageous. The man that kidnapped Elizabeth treated her in unimaginable ways, with cruelty and in inhumane ways. “For nine months, the couple supplied the teen with drugs and alcohol. Once, when she became physically ill, Mitchell forced her to lay face down in her own vomit, Smart said in a testimonial statement. She was raped daily and, often, more than once a day” (Minutaglio 1). Elizabeth was 14 years old when these horrific things happened to her. Her life was just getting started yet she was abused with substances to the point where she was unconscious. For 9 whole months, she was abused and set with so many challenges that only one who is courageous would be able to endure this the way she did. After constantly intoxicated, and drugged, and the man holding her constantly took advantage of her and raped her, she still found the willingness and hope to survive. Victims of these acts suffer in so many ways and not only did Elizabeth deal with this, but she had to deal with it alone. She herself had to find the courage in herself to live day after day with this man who violated her every single day. She would hear her name being shouted by the people who loved her yet she could do absolutely nothing about it. Everyday Elizabeth was broken down piece by piece, mentally and physically by her captor. However she did not let this control her life and take over her perseverance. It only gave her a stronger willingness to live. In Elizabeth Smart’s autobiography My Story, she talks about the sudden epiphany that had occurred to her during her captivity. “They would still accept me, no matter what the man had done. Which meant I had something to live for… It was that moment that I decided that no matter what happened, I was going to find a way to survive… I would do whatever it took to live. No matter what it took, no matter what I had to do, I was going to survive” (Smart 61).
Elizabeth was constantly threatened and not only hers, but the lives of her entire family were at risk. Knowing that, Elizabeth didn’t let this change her attitude. Her willingness to live was so strong that it only made her courage grow larger to make it possible. For instance, her courage led her to points where she was willing to do anything, even if it meant her life was at risk. Most people would surrender themselves to their captor after going through the extents that Elizabeth did. She was different, she didn’t let this incident phase her no matter how hard it was. She was courageous enough to live a full nine months, 273 days, in misery yet keep a strong mindset even through the lowest and toughest points of her life. Elizabeth Smart remained courageous throughout all of the obstacles in her life making her a hero.
Bradenton Herald Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping gave her a new outlook on children and families all over the world. She grew a strong passion to influence others with her story and connect with kids who have gone through the same things as her on a completely different level. After she was rescued from her captivity, she was determined to make a change and be the new voice for kidnapped children all over the world.“she became an activist on behalf of kidnapping survivors and child victims of violence and sexual abuse, recounting her inspirational story in interviews with Katie Couric and Oprah Winfrey, and eventually becoming a noted public speaker” (Elizabeth Smart Autobiography 12). Elizabeth Smart was truly compassionate for victims all over the world. She became an advocate for those who are suffering, and gave people a new outlook on how serious it is by sharing her story.Not only did she speak for families all over the world, but she became an inspiration for those who felt alone. She created an understanding that nothing is impossible, that things may be tough, but no matter what the circumstances are, anyone has the ability to overcome the obstacles life throws at them. Elizabeth Smart was also passionate in legally making a change in the protection of children. “Smart went on to write a book, become an activist, and push Congress to pass the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act protecting children from sexual exploitation and violent crimes. She worked with other abduction survivors and the Department of Justice to create a survivor's guide” (Minutaglio 10). Her compassion for the protection of children drove her to take action legally and push congress to create new laws. She wanted to make sure these acts would be prevented against children in any way possible, even if it meant putting in all the work in effort. Elizabeth Smart was persistent to make justice for children all over the world. Making little changes at a time, one thing after another, she created awareness, support and advice for those suffering all over the world. Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping drove her compassion for others to grow to large extents, impacting so many lives of others.
Elizabethsmart.com After the lowest points of Elizabeth Smart’s life, she uses all her courage and is able to redirect her life and turn her traumatic experiences and gains a positive outlook on it. Elizabeth Smart gains courage and compassion following the 9 months of her captivity. Not only does she mentally gain a tremendous amount of strength, but she is able to grow compassion to help others dealing with the same things as her using the platform she has gained. Elizabeth Smart impacts so many lives of others not only by the many courageous acts she performs, but by the inspiration she is for all the people in the world.Through the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, she sets a new limitation for the obstacles one may face in their lifetime, setting a new perspective that every single person has the capability to do anything. Strong people are ones who can endure the unimaginable, however only heroes are able to rise again and change the world, making Elizabeth Smart a Hero.
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Last edited 2/28/2018 2:03:36 AM