In our building blocks of success series, we tackle the various foundational blocks we believe are essential for success. Resilience is near the top of the list, because pursuing greatness almost always means you will face losses, mistakes and tough times along your journey. The ability to bounce back is so critical and we hope the stories below will inspire you to dig deep and discover more of your own resiliency.
YSAK Empriss
Resilience comes from not wanting to be at a stand still in life. To be INDEPENDENT instead of DEPENDENT. Read more>>
Kolleen & Bobby Kintz
I’d say our resiliency comes from our clown training. I attended Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre in 2010, Bobby came along, as my partner. Clown was one of our areas of study, and our exposure to this art form was life-changing. Think Charlie Chaplin and Lucille Ball; physical comedy highlighting the beauty and blunders of humanity. Very fun, but also deeply vulnerable and challenging work. Read more>>
Bethany Quinn
As an immigrant, you become very resilient. Resilience is brutal, and has been a tough one for me to learn. Read more>>
Cameron Richards
My resilience comes from a difficult time when I had to move away from my parents to start over in a big city. The desire to make them proud fueled me to push through every challenge and find my footing. That experience taught me that I can face any new situation by simply getting up and getting started. Read more>>
Ellen Schneider
My resilience comes from a number of sources but most notably the lessons and example of my parents. Growing up, my parents always encouraged a discipline of practice and persistence in the face of challenges. Try, try, and try again as well as practice makes progress are refrains in the bedrock of my brain. Read more>>
Jaida Jaii Jada Hood
My resilience comes from struggle, trials, triumphs and breakthroughs. Knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love God and those who are called according to his purpose. I am always looking for the lesson in any and every situation in my life, in any delay, heartbreak, divine intervention and in my everyday life in general. Holding on to God’s promise that he has a plan to prosper me and not to harm me but to give me hope and a future is more than enough for me to see it through. Read more>>
Dennis Mero
My resilience comes from starting young and learning early that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. I’ve been hustling since I was 13 as a barber and hairstylist, and that gave me the mindset that no matter what, I’ll always find a way forward. But it’s not just about me. It’s about community. Through Orlando House Party and the events I’ve built, I’ve seen how music and culture can bring people together. Knowing that I’m creating something bigger than myself gives me the strength to keep going, even when things get tough. Resilience, for me, is fueled by passion and the responsibility I feel to keep building spaces for people to connect, celebrate, and feel like they belong. Read more>>
Sonya Riviere
Looking back, resilience became a part of who I am. I was a teen mom, and pregnant with my first child my senior year of high school. I was determined to complete high school, and receive my diploma, which I did. Becoming a teenage mom was the one of the most challenging moments of my life. I carried shame, guilt and fear because I was the first in my family to be a teen mom and not be married. Read more>>
