Courtney Colletta Magoon: A Rebel Scholar’s Manifesto

Courtney Colletta Magoon: A Rebel Scholar’s Manifesto

I am Courtney Colletta Magoon—visionary, rebel, creator, and relentless pursuer of authenticity. My story is not one of conformity or following the well-worn path; it's a testament to carving out a new one, where self-discovery, resilience, and radical self-education reign supreme.

I’ve lived lifetimes within my 34 years, experiencing the depths of burnout, the soul-crushing weight of a life misaligned, and the agony of navigating traumas that would shatter most people. But I didn’t break. I found ways to heal, to transform, and to rise. I’ve faced the darkest parts of myself, sat in the fire of my own pain, and emerged stronger, more authentic, and more aligned with my purpose than ever.

I’ve been underestimated, mistaken for someone younger, and seen as inexperienced because of my appearance. But behind these hazel eyes that did win me “Best Eyes” in my wonky high school—behind the freckles, the minimalist makeup, and the youthful look—is a woman who has walked through fire, who has faced down the abyss of her own making and rebuilt herself from the ashes. I know what it’s like to be trapped in systems that drain your spirit, to work jobs that consume your soul, and to feel utterly disconnected from the person you’re meant to be. I lived that life, and I broke free.

My path has been anything but conventional. I dropped out of high school twice, not because I lacked intelligence or drive, but because I knew, even then, that the systems in place weren’t built for people like me—people who dream differently, who think in abstract, radical ways, who refuse to be confined by the limits of others’ expectations. I didn’t need their classrooms to educate myself. I turned my life into a curriculum, learning from every experience, every hardship, and every moment of joy and despair.

I’ve been a barber, a beekeeper, a creator of sustainable products, and now, a writer who has decided to finally share her voice with the world. I’ve faced physical challenges like plantar fasciitis and sciatica, emotional scars from abusive relationships, and the intense isolation of feeling like I don’t belong. But I’ve also learned the incredible power of self-education, the healing that comes from reconnecting with nature, and the liberation of choosing a path that aligns with who I truly am.

I’m here to show that there is another way to live—a way that doesn’t require selling your soul to systems that don’t serve you. A way that honors your true self, your joy, and your vision for the world. I’m here to create content, to write books, to craft sustainable products, and to share everything I’ve learned so that others can break free, too.

My manifesto is simple: Be radically yourself. Educate yourself. Heal yourself. And then, help others do the same. Create the world you want to live in, even if it’s just one tiny corner of it. Plant seeds, both literal and metaphorical, wherever you go. Be the catalyst for change in your community, in your family, and in your own life.

I’m not here to fit into anyone’s box or follow anyone’s rules. I’m here to disrupt, to challenge, to inspire, and to uplift. I’m here to build a legacy of authenticity, resilience, and joy—a legacy that will outlive me, that will inspire others long after I’m gone. I want to be remembered as someone who lived fully, who gave everything she had, and who empowered others to do the same.

This is my life’s work. This is my calling. And I’m just getting started. -CMM<3