We’ve shared some incredible stories of resilience below that we hope will help you on your journey towards building up your resilience.
Dara Erck
Resilience is a quality I didn’t always recognize in myself, but looking back, I see the defining moments that shaped it—challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that built me up, layer by layer. Today, as an entrepreneur, global health strategist, and mom, resilience is woven into everything I do. It’s what I draw on as I navigate the complexities of running a business, advocating for teen mental health, and balancing the demands of single parenthood. This resilience wasn’t something I was born with; it was cultivated through life’s circumstances, early independence, and the choices I made. Read more>>
Shanika Mcclain Queeman
Resilience has been a part of me from a young age. As a child, I often moved from one home to another, living with different family members. Each move brought new challenges, but I was fortunate to have a loving family that embraced me every step of the way. Despite the changes, they provided me with stability, care, and a sense of belonging, helping me develop inner strength. Looking back, I realize that my resilience was shaped not only by these experiences but also by the unwavering support and love of my family, who always wanted the best for me. Read more>>
Jessica Zunic
My resilience is shaped by personal experiences, inner strength, and a strong desire to succeed. The support of family, friends, and mentors has reinforced my belief in myself and my work. I draw strength from the lessons learned during difficult times, and each challenge I’ve faced has added another layer of resilience, helping me grow more resourceful and confident in navigating whatever comes next. Read more>>
Ashley Scott
My resilience has everything to do with how I was raised. I give all the credit to my parents who both equally played a huge part. My Dad always taught me that no matter what you choose to do or be in life, be the best person at that job. Create your value to others, always perfect your craft, keep educating yourself knowledge is power, practice practice practice, be honest, never lie cheat or steal, and make sure you never hurt anybody. To name a few. Read more>>
Alba Washington
Many times, we have to go through suffering and difficulties, stumbling block after stumbling block, and it is difficult for us to understand the reasons for such darkness. It is not until our dreams become reality that we find the answers to our questions: “How did this happen?” and “Why did I experience such hardships?” Read more>>
Jamien Watts
You know what? this is an amazing question and lately I’ve been asking myself “How am I so resilient?” Many others would get in my shoes and give up if they went through half of what I go through. I then I realize that I was raised by some STRONG black women. I grew up in a big household, so times weren’t always easy, but I have never seen my grandma or mama give up. Those ladies never shown any signs of wanting to give up. Many of my friends tell me how much they admire my will power to keep going no matter what. My close friend Nakiymbaa compared me to the Phoenix. She said i would go through things and then cocoon myself from the world and then rise from the ashes stronger than ever! I always hold on to faith that i have big things coming and that also motivates me to keep going. Read more>>
Jesus Fernandez Garcia
I have been working in the kitchen now for over 35 years. It’s a hard job. You are on your feet for over 8 hours a day. There’s a lot of pressure to perform. It’s hot, you are on a time limit and the reward is minimal. But why do I do it? I just love creating food. When I see people enjoy what I created, it keeps me coming back. Read more>>
Alvin Lin
My resilience comes from many experiences that taught me to be comfortable with the unknown and to find growth in setbacks. Early on, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by taking acting classes and going to commercial auditions. I initially did this to overcome my fear of public speaking, but it was also a way to learn resilience. Facing constant rejections was challenging, but it taught me to look inward, adjust, and try again. Eventually, I landed some exciting gigs, including ones with Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks; it’s about embracing them as part of the journey. This mindset has carried over into my design work—whether I’m learning a new tool, iterating on a project, or facing a rejection, I know that each “no” is simply a step toward growth. Read more>>
Princess Hill
When I was a little girl, I knew I was different. I had an imaginary friend who loved me unconditionally, which gave me a safe space to lean on in a world that felt unpredictable. My ‘egg and sperm donor,’ as I call them, weren’t safe, and the adults around me were often just as frightening. I learned early to seek out the kindest adults and glean whatever warmth I could. It was not much but it was just enough. Read more>>
Kenzie Stein
My momma! My mom passed away in 2017 from brain cancer. I want to create a life and a business that I know she would be proud of. Everything I do is for her. Read more>>
Jiangwei Zhou
Resilience, for me, has been both a skill and a necessity, honed over years of working in the dynamic and sometimes unforgiving world of New York real estate. I believe my resilience comes from a combination of early influences and professional experiences. Growing up, I was inspired by my family’s work ethic and commitment to seeing things through, no matter the obstacles. This foundation was crucial, but the real test came when I stepped into the real estate industry—a field where the landscape can shift overnight and where only those who adapt and push forward succeed. Read more>>
Nicole Ohr
My resilience comes from my first surgeon, Dr. Schneider, and my mother. I have a medical condition called Hydrocephalus, which is a life long condition requiring brain surgery. When first diagnosed, my surgeon was extremely optimistic, stating that I had this condition that I would need to monitor, however, I’m overall a healthy individual, and I should not let that get in my way. My mother also instilled in me a strong work ethic and confidence, which helped me use any type of struggle or adversity as a means of strength. Read more>>
Melisa Dunkley-smith
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Through life’s struggles, my unwavering trust in God has been my guiding light. No matter how daunting they seemed, I knew He is with me even in the darkest moments.
The adversities I face forged my strength and resilience. Life’s unexpected twists; unplanned pregnancy and the devastating loss of my father, all tested my resolve but I refused to not let my circumstances dictate my path. I remained steadfast and unshakeable. My willpower drives me to survive and thrive. Whenever life knocks me down I got back up and keep moving forward. I recognized that my obstacles are not barriers but instead the building blocks to my character. Read more>>
Bella Ehrhart
Having faced many ups and downs, I consider myself a resilient person. Life’s challenges have taught me the value of perseverance and inner strength. Rather than letting setbacks hold me back, I use them as fuel to push myself further, often achieving more than I once thought was possible. This mindset has been especially valuable in my business journey, where each obstacle becomes an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and grow. I’ve come to understand that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure but about rising stronger each time I fall. This approach has fueled my professional growth, teaching me to seek solutions and create opportunities where others might see only limitations. Each success and setback has ultimately shaped me into a stronger, more determined person, always ready to face the next challenge with an open mind and a resilient heart. Read more>>
Alexandra Walton
My Resilience comes from the quality of parenting my mother gave me growing up. She showed me that no matter how hard life gets you can overcome anything. My mother is a woman of faith, and I remember her taking us ( my little sister and I ) to the kingdom hall as a little girl. They would let the children answer questions that the pastor asked, and in using my voice I found that speaking up, and speaking out as my mother always told me it gets you places. What one doesn’t understand it’s ok to ask questions. I kept everything my mother has taught me in mind, and one day I looked around me, and knew that where I was in life at that time I wanted more so I asked myself what is it I really want to do. Read more>>
Indira Ramgarib Katwaroo
My resilience comes from my mom. Watching her handle life’s challenges with unwavering strength and grace teaches me the value of perseverance. She always finds a way to keep moving forward, no matter how tough things get. Her determination, her ability to adapt, and her positive outlook in the face of adversity inspires me every step of the way. Leading Magical Island Tours and Travel, I face my own challenges, but with her as my role model, I know that there is always a way through. My mom instilled in me that resilience is about commitment and finding strength within, which I now bring into my work and every new challenge. Read more>>
Ossandra White
There always seems to be so much happening in my life to a hectic degree, but I always resolve to try my best to keep praying and keep going. Some people see me on the outside and think I’m too optimistic, too naive, or I don’t have any problems. This is because I try to smile and be kind to everyone. Spread love in the world. I don’t like to project my own hardships on others. I like to be there for people and try to make their day a little better than it was. There is too much hate in the world. Too many people being mean just because they are having a bad day. I don’t want to be that person. Read more>>
Jelani The Babe
I have an amazing grandfather who lived by the moto “can’t steal my joy”. He taught us that no matter what happens in life, we cannot allow it to steal our joy. There will be ups and downs through out life, even traumatic events. however, he taught me to keep my peace despite the curveballs life throws at us. He told me that happiness is temporary and based on present satisfaction, but joy!? Joy comes from God, it’s from within, it’s what gives us hope and faith. It’s not temporary, but rather a state of being. Read more>>
Tanner Haas
I would say resilience—or at least my resilience—comes from the fact that I envision what I want so often and in so much detail that it becomes my reality, and I’m unwilling to settle for anything less. That’s really all resilience is. What do you want? How badly do you want it? And what are you willing to do to make that thing, that vision, a reality? If the answer isn’t “whatever I have to do, whenever I have to do it,” then you run the risk of not getting it. Just don’t quit. Quitting is a choice. Whatever you’re doing, just keep moving. Keep pushing, no matter how grim the circumstances may seem. Read more>>
Al Hallak
My resilience comes from this deep belief that if I can imagine something, I can make it happen. It’s not that I think everything will be easy—it never is. Every time I take on a new goal or project, I face many obstacles. But I keep going because I believe in my ability to find a way through.
When things get tough, I think back to the challenges I’ve overcome and remind myself that I made it through those so that I can get through this too. I believe we all have the potential to achieve so much in our unique ways. We must be willing to try, keep pushing, and never give up. Read more>>
Neil Wachs
My Parents.Was brought up to” never give up” and always remember “Things are meant to happen for a reason” Anytime something negative would happen to me I always thought there is a reason why and to move on.My only regret is my Parents aren’t alive to see my success.I know they would be proud.They are up there shaking their heads in disbelieve..lol.. Read more>>
Sandeep Asdhir
My resilience comes from a mix of influences and personal practices that keep me grounded and motivated. First and foremost, I’ve constantly been inspired by watching my family work hard. To this day, my parents show me the power of perseverance, constantly pushing forward and embracing new challenges. There are many times when I visit my parents I find them to be awake and sleep after me. No complaints and doing the basics. Sometimes showing up is half the battle. Read more>>
Carissa Fagan
That’s a great and important question. My resilience as a singer, performer, and person comes from a blend of life experiences, values, and my inner passion. From a young age, I was surrounded by influences that taught me how to endure and adapt. Growing up with a close connection to my family, for instance, built a strong emotional foundation and gave me a place to rest rest to emotionally when things got tough. Read more>>
Paul Watson
In 2010, soon after graduating from grad school and after a series of mis-diagnoses, I found out that I had late-stage cancer. Looking back, it was likely a 75% I don’t make it, 25% I do. When your oncologist comes into your hospital room and breathes a sigh of relief that you’re not dead, you know it’s bad. So, not dying taught me resilience. Read more>>
Heather Nyquist
Resilience has been a key word for me over the past few years. It began when I realized I wasn’t myself anymore in a toxic marriage that was draining me of who I was. I had to endure a lot – one thing being emotional abuse. It took time, but eventually the marriage ended, and at the same time I lost my job and my housing. I felt I had to be who someone else wanted me to be so when all of this was stripped away I could finally lookout myself. It was hard. I had always done photography on the side and out of necessity it became my full time job. I pushed into myself and finding who I was again. Read more>>
Aaron Leventhal
I get my resilience from my mom. She is an immigrant. Her mother escaped concentration camps in Poland and brought my mom and her three siblings to Mexico, where they grew up in poverty. My mom moved to the U.S. in high school, put herself through college, and worked two jobs. She showed me never to give up and that, day by day, if you want something bad enough, you can have it. Read more>>
Adam Torkildson
Ever since I could remember, my Mom instilled in me a belief that I had value. Alot of value.
Not only to her and our family, but to God and my fellow men. I know she spent alot of time devaluing herself, and feeling crushing depression and despair. But she always made sure to tell me that I was special, that I had hidden talents inside myself that I could develop and do anything I wanted. Read more>>
Rian Julka
I get my resilience from the challenges I’ve faced as a caregiver for my mom as she battles Parkinson’s. Watching her push through every day with determination inspires me to stay strong, no matter the circumstances. Her strength reminds me that perseverance and empathy go hand in hand. Growing up across different continents also taught me how to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar situations. My advocacy work for underrepresented communities has deepened my commitment to stand up for those who need it most, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Read more>>
Jami Dennis
Resilience is woven into the fabric of who I am. Growing up on the plains, resilience wasn’t something we talked about…it was simply expected. It’s rooted in the lessons my family has passed down. My grandparents were entrepreneurs, who owned and operated small businesses to support their families. My parents were the first in their families to attend college and move out of Nebraska to create a life of their own. My family modeled what grit and determination looks like in everyday life. And as a family, we live by those same values today. I believe that hard work eventually pays off. I believe to be successful you have to have the courage to take risks. And maybe most importantly, I believe challenges are inevitable. When you fall down, get up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. Resilience isn’t the absence of challenges or failure, it’s how you handle them that defines who you are and where you’ll go in life. Read more>>
Isabelle Engler
I’ve found a lot of my resilience through my experiences with music — through my studies and professional work as a concert pianist and board-certified music therapist. In music, there’s always room for improvement, and mistakes are part of the process. What’s important is not dwelling on those errors but focusing on the next moment and how to keep moving forward. I’ve also learned to channel any negativity or doubts from others into motivation to prove them wrong. Over the years, these experiences have helped me build and strengthen my resilience. Read more>>
Jane Chua
Evaluating issues from multiple perspectives, developing appreciation, and probing my beliefs about life’s importance and purpose will help me critically reflect on my beliefs. Read more>>
Marthann Weaber
My family consisted of Mom and Dad and a very overbearing grandmother. My father was in the oil business and doing well. The crack began after my father was unfaithful. He went to confession and decided to move us to a small town south of Houston. At first things were working out in the beginning. But then came the downward spiral that alcoholism brings. The money dried up and the fighting began. My grandmother’s solution was to take my sisters and move back to Houston. That left me to take care o. f my folks as the progression of their alcoholism continued. Read more>>
Pat Mcbride
Well, I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count, but thanks to my fiancé Bianca, my family, and my friends, I’m still standing and feeling beyond blessed. I really can’t complain. I have everything I need and more—anything else is a bonus. Having gone through tremendous loss and traumatic experiences has actually helped me in certain situations because I remind myself: if I could get through that, I can get through this. That’s the upside of grief. Of course, I get the blues now and then, but I’ll always be a glass-half-full kind of guy. Life can be hard, but it’s amazing too. No matter what has happened in my life, I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet. Read more>>
Romy Mestan
Resilience by definition is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. Being resilient does not mean you never experience stress, emotional trauma or suffering. Resilience involves the ability to work through emotional pain and suffering. I suppose I have developed resilient character traits due only to hardships, just like a diamonds scintillation or “sparkle” is acquired by using lasers to scrape away their dull, rough outer surface and create and polish angled facets that allow them to shine brighter! Read more>>
