Overview
Think about a child who loves painting but is pushed by their parents to focus on sports instead. If they are allowed to explore their passion for art, they are more likely to thrive and find joy in their activities.
The Choice
Should Tala join the swim team or focus on writing?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 8.4
- Word Count
- 307 words
- Published
- Jun 7, 2025
The Dilemma
Tala, a 12-year-old with a knack for storytelling, loves writing short stories and sharing them with her friends. Her best friend, Elena, is an excellent swimmer and has been encouraging Tala to join the swim team. Tala’s parents also think it would be a good idea for her to try something new and become more physically active. They believe swimming could be a great opportunity for her to develop new skills and make more friends. However, Tala feels most alive when she’s crafting stories and dreams of becoming an author. She worries that joining the swim team would take away from her writing time and possibly make her less enthusiastic about her passion. Tala Something has to give.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Join the swim team.
Focus on her writing.
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
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How might joining the swim team benefit Tala?
- 3
What are the potential downsides of not following her passion for writing?
- 4
How might John Locke advise Tala in this situation?
- 5
Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Locke
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
