“Small But Strong” by Sophia Schwartz explains how she learned to find her strength as a small young woman. She explains how she learned to push herself while staying strong. Sophia talks about beginning racing track and balancing long nights of practice and homework and mentions her lifelong competition as a triplet and that she “be but little, she is fierce.” She realizes slowly that while on the outside, she may not be perceived as strong, but, she is strong in her own way because of the work ethic and responsibility she carries through her schoolwork and physical activities.

This realization is hard for a lot of people, and I commend Sophie for being able to come to terms with herself and her inner strength. I think the message of a strength inside and the concept that what a person is on the outside doesn’t define their whole person, are ones that many readers can learn from. As a short person myself, I can attest to the effects of the idea that short people are weak. It took a lot for me to accept my scrawniness but I have and Sophie, you helped. Thank you.