Laura Lalonde's Moral Courage example essay topic

391 words
Moral courage is found in humble places, and it takes place every day. To some, moral courage may seem like a menial occurance, such as giving change to a bigger on the street. This sort of courage does not require a superhuman act like saving a child from drowning, or rescuing a dog from a burning house; this sort of courage requires human decency and a kind heart. My friend Laura Lalonde is your typical girl-next-door. She grew up in Halifax, and when she turned nineteen in the year 2001, she moved to Montreal to pursue an acting and modeling career.

She went to a professional photographer to have her pictures taken, and to make up a portfolio to distribute to advertising and modeling agencies. She also handed out her portfolio and resume to production companies. Laura's big break came the summer of 2001, or so she thought. A modeling agency contacted her after reviewing her portfolio and resume. They were very impressed not only with her physique, but with her academic acheive ments as well. They booked her for a photo session for a high-end Montreal boutique.

When the day arrived Laura went to the agency with high hopes of being signed on for a contract. She spent the next two hours having photographs taken in many different poses and styles. Then the photographer asked her to take her clothes off. The job description said nothing about lingere or swimsuit modeling so Laura asked what the purpose of posing naked was, the photographer answered that her career would sky-rocket if she posed in the nude, and if the agency passed out the photos to their contacts. Laura quickly demanded to have the films they shot of her, as she did not want any connection with their company any longer. Laura showed moral courage and human decency by standing firm in her personal beliefs.

When she returned home to her apartment she told her roomates (also models and actors) of the sleazy agency, so they would not be presumed into that same situation. Laura Lalonde's moral courage saved not only her own dignity, but the possibility of her friends dignity by preventing them to be in the same situation as she found herself.