Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our hope with the Portraits of Resilience series – we hope the stories below will inspire you to tap into your own resilience.
Laura Treas
Having attended 13 different schools because of transient parents, I learned early on how to adjust and pivot! You are also forced to learn how to walk into a room full of people you’ve never met and make friends, over and over. I have the same skill sets as army brats. My upbringing also taught me that mistakes are not that serious because I was always moving and looking forward because it didn’t do any good to look backwards. I’ve acquired a knack to be very zen during stressful times because I know the difference between long term stressful results versus “is this going to matter in a few days/weeks”. Read more>>
Diamond Gardner
My resilience actually came from the role models in my life. I was raised by very strong women who were independent and tackled any obstacle that came their way. As I grew older and started experiencing my own challenges, I always remembered who and what I came from. Also being raised on the faith of God helped a lot with my resilience because I knew that everything he allowed to happen was for a reason and for my greater good. Read more>>
Kelsey Overstreet
Living in Italy after completing my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a journey that would prove to be transformative for my creative career. Initially studying Printmaking, I found myself facing financial challenges. In response, I began creating my own hand-printed textiles and clothing. To my delight, this endeavor blossomed into a full-time occupation, allowing me to not only sustain a livelihood but also thrive in Italy for a remarkable three years. Read more>>
Duncan Therrell
In my experience, my resilience comes from the drive to put creative art into the world. It’s been proved repeatedly that art is subjective, which means there will always be people who love your work and people who hate your work. Instead of letting the haters get to you, learn to filter the constructive criticism from the relevant comments. What matters is if you like it. If you’re making creative content that you don’t like, then who are you making it for? What’s the point of that? In summary, don’t let critics get to you, advice is your friend, and focus on making beautiful, meaningful art you enjoy. Read more>>
Amer Abukhalaf
Resilience is a dynamic process. As an immigrant researcher in the US, my resilience stems from a combination of personal attributes, experiences, and support systems. First, the very experience of being an immigrant requires a level of adaptability and resilience to navigate a new culture, language, and environment. The ability to adapt to new environments and navigate complex systems is a key strength for immigrants and contributes to resilience in the face of challenges. Moreover, maintaining a connection to my cultural identity and heritage is another source of strength. Read more>>
Sarah French
Resilience is something you learn over time with the experiences you have in your life. For myself, working in the film industry and being an artist, I have to be resilient in order to keep moving forward, there’s just no way around it. There is so much rejection, so many lows, so many hard times, it’s easy to get depressed and feel like you’re not good enough. I’ve learned over the years you need to use those lows as fuel to your fire to stoke the flames to keep that fire inside burning bright! When you get knocked down, you have to get right back up and keep fighting. Read more>>
Cathy Segal-Garcia
One place was from my mom. She was always asking, “What should we do NOW?!” My sisters and I got that “next?” gene! Another thing is that I love experiences. Maybe it’s jazz that influences me, maybe being a Gemini…but I like spontaneous experiences! It feeds my soul. And I love performing, so I’ve always been open to performances coming my way. Read more>>
Mackenzie Jorns
Through life experiences from dealing with intense high school bullying to molestation and rape to battling Lyme Disease. For me, I now know that my experiences make my capability to handle adversity and uncertainty incredibly high. My perspective during these situations wasn’t always like this, however now I’m grateful to be able to use my perseverance to grow a company that helps people feel more confident in themselves. My personal mission statement is “I want women to feel more confident because I was here.” Read more>>
Lymarie Jimenez
My mother. She is someone who has always gone after her dreams and never given up. No matter the setback she continued her path and got what she wanted. She has taught me to never give up and always dream big. Read more>>
Jacqueline Kopito
When my publisher, who happened to be based in India, informed me that I would need to take charge of promoting Twintastic in the United States, I was faced with a huge challenge. The prospect of my book being available on Amazon was exciting, but the question remained: How would potential readers ever discover it unless I took matters into my own hands? Read more>>
Whitney Tinsley
My resilience comes from within. Being a failure or quitting has never been an option for me. When I was young I realized that I will not know how to do everything but anything that I wanted or put my mind to, I worked hard to obtain it. Negative thoughts tried to overtake me at times, but I have always been a person to push through everything and keep going no matter what. I had to learn to tell myself that things will be ok even when in reality it was far from ok. Read more>>
AlxZandria
It seemed like a normal, sunny day in the ninety’s. My older siblings had left for school a couple hours prior, while the rest of us were home with our Parents. At the time, I was just a year old, and born the twelfth child of thirteen living siblings. The others had passed due to sudden infant death. As my pregnant Mother held me in her arms and watched my siblings play in the living room, there was suddenly an unexpected knock at the door. Read more>>
Precious Green
Being a part of GEMZ Dance Chapter means constantly facing challenges. We are often required to learn complex routines within a short amount of time, rehearse for long hours, and maintain a high level of physical fitness. The commitment and dedication required can be overwhelming at times, but we lean on each other for support and encouragement. Read more>>
Ofir Sofer
In my teenage years I struggled a lot with mental health, and I worked incredibly hard to be where I am now mentally, so I feel like no matter what happens now, I’m a lot more grounded and developed such a thick skin that made me pretty resilient and keeps me balanced. Also, I feel like growing up in Israel made me automatically more resilient to be honest, in the last three years here in LA I had A LOT going on and so many downs, I had points that my roommate kept telling me “I’m not sure how you’re still alive “, Read more>>
Shakeemah Murray
My Resilience is rooted in my early life experiences, growing up in a single-parent household with my siblings. The challenges I faced during those early years forced me to develop strong survival skills and hone my problem-solving abilities. As we all would experience, navigating through adversity it became second nature, laying the foundation for my ability to adapt to challenges and quickly bounce back. Read more>>
Cam Malone
I would say I get my resilience from experience. Experience shapes you. You understand and comprehend conflicts better when you go through it first hand, and the more you go through it, it becomes easier to overcome. Read more>>
Lina Outler
I believe I get my resilience from… are you ready for this? FAILURE! Yes, that is right I’ve have failed so many times in this life. It all started when I was born. I am my dad’s first born and my mother’s first daughter. From what I understand to be true. My parents meet in church my mom was already a young mother of two young boy’s and my father was sent to Pennsylvania to live and work with his uncle and to send money back home to help take care of his mother and younger sister. Read more>>
Jaquair Gillette
I believe I developed my resilience over time. It started when I was growing up as a kid. Exploring things and not being afraid to fail even though I hated to fail. Whether in creative activities like drawing or making things or in sports. Through that I began to realize that I hated to give up or not give it my best more than not trying. Read more>>
Mark Wilson
I get my resilience from my family. Everyone in my family makes it happen everyday. If they can do it I can do it. We all hold that mantra. Read more>>
Ju-Julia Berrios
“COMPASSION IN ACTION” “Life is nothing but a “Gift” and that the Universe allows us the opportunity to evolve and grow spiritually through life’s challenges and obstacles.” Ju My name is Ju. I am proud to share my story with others. I am the Hispanic co-founder, multi digital artist and influencer behind SANARTE FOUNDATION. My life has led me to a vision that would help change the life and health of many through our unique artistic and philanthropic nonprofit organization. Read more>>
Tullia Ferraro
I was very lucky to grow up with parents that were never strict with me. They never put me down for something I did wrong and they always encouraged me to do my best and never worry about the consequences. With this type of moral being taught to me from a very young age, I started to develop a strong sense of resilience that I still carry with me every day. Not every day will turn out to be a good one; the important thing is to not give up and keep trying. Keep doing your best and eventually your efforts will be rewarded… and you won’t lose a night of sleep over some things that you have no control over. Read more>>
Shamia Davis
My mother. Though she passed away in December 2001, I will always remember what she taught me and the valuable lessons I learned from observation. I saw her perseverance when she pursued law enforcement. The tests were difficult and time-consuming, but she pressed through because she dreamed of becoming a police officer. As a single mother of three and sole caretaker of her mother, she juggled many balls yet mastered the act of balancing. Looking back, I know it was challenging for her, but she executed so effortlessly. Read more>>
Dr. Haley D. Heibel
I am a very determined person and have been from a young age. My involvement in competitive volleyball and tennis definitely helped cultivate my resiliency, and I am grateful for how it prepared me for a career in medicine. I was a setter in volleyball, a leadership position that required navigating the team through difficult matches. As a singles tennis player, I learned to have faith in myself and my abilities and developed mental strength. To be a physician requires resiliency – it is a demanding role both physically and emotionally. Read more>>
Silvana Soriano
“Being resilient involves possessing strong desires that determine and propel you to persistently walk, try, and explore new opportunities. It is a blend of determination and the absence of expectations. You do everything that your soul is capable of, regardless of the results. Embracing frustration and disappointment is the key to cultivating resilience.” Read more>>
Clifford Blanquicet Jr
I grew up in section 8 housing, drug filled homes and an abusive environment and instead of giving in to those obviously bad things, I decided to become the best me I could be. And I truly believe I have and I won the battle that so many fall to every day. Read more>>
Sam Mosco
My life experience has taught me resilience over time. I have had quite a few negative experiences, that although unpleasant during the time, have shown me that I do actually have the ability to get through them. Moving forward past that, you have a frame of reference to compare to. “At least it isn’t as bad as (this) time”, you think. And so all of these negative experiences add up, and sort of adorn your chest with Purple Hearts. Read more>>
Venice Ousley
Resilience… Honestly, I feel like my whole life as long as I can remember I had to be strong, responsible and able to quickly adapt to change. I was raised by a single mother. My father was incarcerated until I was 25. So, I often had a lot of responsibilities as a child. I was a latchkey kid. I got myself dressed for school, walked to the school bus, and let myself back in with my own key in kindergarten. When I was a 9 my little sister was born and I had a lot of responsibilities as a big sister. Read more>>
Jasmine Mines Esq.
Resilience, for me, isn’t just a trait; it’s a narrative woven through my experiences, right from my roots in Pasadena to the corridors of law. Growing up, resilience was not just encouraged, but essential. As a child of a single mother, with my father incarcerated, I quickly learned the art of adapting to circumstances beyond my control. Watching my mother navigate our world with strength and determination, I understood early on that resilience was key to overcoming life’s hurdles. Read more>>
Dr. Lani Cupchoy
Being the only one in the room: how have you learned to be effective/successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you? In navigating situations where I find myself as the only one in the room who looks like me, I have learned to draw upon a combination of personal qualities, skills, and a positive mindset. Believing in my abilities and recognizing the value I bring to the table has been crucial. Read more>>
Shabana Kauser
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and featuring my story. Resilience continues to drive me and be a part of who I am. So this is a great first question! My resilience comes from undesired experiences, the ones I don’t welcome or want to go through, but they were going to happen anyway. Those crucial moments are what has shaped me, taught me more about myself, my ability to fight through, and get to where I need to be. Read more>>
Michelle Dali
When it comes to persevering doing what I do, I remember to stand and show support to myself even when times become really tough. Lately and throughout the years, life has had many downs. I have more than one mental illness I suffer through on a daily basis and I’m pretty much amazed that I’m still alive today. Read more>>
Athena Toledo
I get my resilience from the women who have lived before me. From the women who had to fight for every god damn thing they have. I get my resilience from mi gente , my community and striving to survive for the greater collective. We cannot exist totally on our own. The food in our hands once came from the hands of another. The rice , the fruit, the fresh baked bread from the panadería. My resilience comes from the people who haven’t given up yet. Read more>>
Ysabel Bain
It’s funny, ‘cause if you’d asked me this 6 months ago I would have been stumped. I’ve never thought of myself as resilient because I always associated resilience with success.. Now, having been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder as well as a series of other mental illnesses, I’ve come to learn that although resilience can lead to success, it’s not the only defining outcome of being resilient. Read more>>
Sonya Hernandez
I remember as a little girl feeling alone and afraid. I had a favorite doll that I named Mother and I took her everywhere. This special doll invoked a sense of security and support. My Mother doll was my self-made support system. I now realize that at 5 years old, I created a support system that I needed to overcome things that made me feel fear. Read more>>
Blair Bai
I possess a considerable amount of patience and perseverance when it comes to pursuing my ambitions. Opting for a career in filmmaking was a bold decision for me, especially considering I am the sole artist in my entire family, with no other members involved in the arts. It took several years for my family to comprehend and accept my choice, as they were initially opposed to it. Since embarking on my journey in the film industry, I have navigated the intricacies on my own. Read more>>
Michelle Rosales
The path of an entrepreneur is not always easy. As the owner of a startup self-funded business. It’s like walking aimlessly in a desert without a map. Being an entrepreneur at such a young age in an industry that’s often viewed as a male-dominated one many times you don’t get taken seriously. As well as being so young leading in such an industry. Nevertheless, I know that this is the product of all the diversity I’ve gone through, to not give up and work hard towards my goals. Read more>>
Phyllis Schwartz
I think the roots of my resilience comes from my parents. They believed in me and my abilities from a young age. They read to me all the time and encouraged me to love books and encouraged me to write even in childhood: letters, in diaries, poems, little stories. Fast forward many decades I think my battling 3 different kinds of cancer throughout my adult life gave me a strong survival instinct and resilience. Read more>>
Mao
Well, I think there are actually many factors that shaped my resilience for many many years! First of all, it is passion that creates this resilience for me personally. The profound love for art, enabled me to navigate through harsh criticism, hate speech, but also the lack of support. Thinking back on how I started, it was a way to express my emotions, dreams, which I was not able to bring out in real life. To bring these personal issues onto digital canvas meant a lot to me. Read more>>
Ebony Royal
My inner strength has been forged through a series of challenging experiences I faced at a young age. Despite the fact that many who know me may not be aware, one of the most traumatic incidents involved a fellow student holding me hostage with a knife after school in the 5th grade, with the intent of sexual assault. Read more>>
Melissa Allegories
Resilience, to me, is an ongoing journey rooted in intentional self-growth. I’ve encapsulated some insights in my book, “At the Garden: Insights for Self-Actualization and Human Flourishing” (available on https://www.visualwriting.art/at-the-garden.html and ISSUU: https://issuu.com/time2bloom/docs/insights_for_self-actualization_and_human_flourish). In Section 1: Personal Growth and Resilience, I elaborate on several principles, such as voluntary discomfort and delayed gratification. Here’s an excerpt: Read more>>
Nichelle Lyster
As cheesy as it may. sound, my resilience has always been informed by an unwavering commitment to Love. I’ve fortunate enough to know a lot of love in my life, from my parents, siblings, and communities, to the mountain home I was born into and the ocean side homes I’ve gotten to choose. They have all taught me how precious and meaningful this life is and staying connected to all this love has guided me through my absolutely darkest times. Read more>>
Bryan Grant
I like this question because it comes up a lot when I’m invited to podcasts and interviews like this. I feel like resilience is something we’re not only born with but it also comes from breaking through hard life experiences, which ultimately makes us stronger. That’s key. We must learn from these moments in life which are not always easy, but necessary. Read more>>
Nell Tryst
My journey towards resilience started at a young age, when I was diagnosed with a rare heart disease. Instead of letting fear consume me, I turned to art as a way to comprehend and express my emotions. Painting intricately detailed hearts became my solace, easing the weight of mortality that loomed over me. Read more>>
Shannan Slevin
My resilience comes from a consistent practice of doing things that are challenging, or things that I don’t want to do. This discipline aligns with the theory that resilience and willpower are like muscles that get stronger with regular exercise. Every day, I make it a point to face activities that push me out of my comfort zone, whether it’s tackling a difficult project at work, taking a risk, learning something new, or completing disciplines like running and meditating daily, even when I don’t “want” to. Read more>>
Tarik khribech
Resilience, for me, is cultivated from a blend of personal experiences, professional setbacks, and a deep-rooted passion for innovation. It stems from an unwavering commitment to my vision and the understanding that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. My family’s support and the stories of perseverance I’ve witnessed in my community fuel my drive to push forward, even when faced with adversity. Read more>>
Sarah Keel
To begin, I have my answer tattooed on my arm. It is from Proverbs, chapter 24, vs. 16: “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again…” Why does the “righteous rise again”? Well, since the “righteous” in scripture are considered “righteous” because of faith in Christ, then that means that when I fall, I always rise again because I have faith that I am accepted by God, secure in God, and significant in God; which enables me to rise again. Read more>>
Rachel Sobel
There are so many things in life that can knock you down and we all have different journeys. Between my parents’ divorce, my divorce, a miscarriage, major coparenting challenges, a health scare and so much more, I have dealt with my fair share of gut punches. Through introspection, therapy and an incredible support system, I realized that no matter what takes me down, it’s temporary and I will absolutely get back up again. Read more>>
Javairia Coleman
Throughout my six years of entrepreneurship, I have come to understand the tides that come along with having to do all the work on your own. Although being your own boss is rewarding, it comes with moments of humility and reality checks and sometimes it’s a whole headache. Read more>>
Neil Bentley Fierro
“My resilience is rooted in a steadfast determination to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Inspired by those who’ve triumphed over adversity, setbacks fuel my commitment to success. My support network, comprising friends, mentors, and colleagues, is instrumental in fortifying my resilience. Their unwavering support and constructive feedback provide a stable foundation as I navigate current projects. Read more>>
Laura Barrett Larkins
I moved around a lot as a kid, and often at really inopportune times, so I didn’t have much of a choice to be honest! I think adults have a tendency to minimize the things that children are going through but starting new schools in 6th grade, another in 7th grade (in a different state) and then again junior year of high school (again, in yet another state) shaped a big part of who I am today. Read more>>
Yoalah Brinson
My resilience stems from a combination of personal experiences, determination, and a strong sense of purpose through facing challenges, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive mindset. It is also influenced by my supportive mom and siblings, a clear vision for my goals, and a passion for the work I do. It is also a reflection of my commitment to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of my aspirations. Read more>>
Ricardo Bogaert-Alvarez, PhD
Dear Bold Interviewer: Before answering your question, I would like to give you three examples of my resilience. 1) when I started running the mile in high school in my hometown Santiago, I didn’t have a coach. I remember that one time, I even got blisters on my feet. Nevertheless, I didn’t give up, and later as a senior at the Sam Houston High School, with good coach, exercise machines and training, I was able to run the mile at 4 minutes and 48 seconds. Read more>>
