We’ve shared some incredible stories of resilience below that we hope will help you on your journey towards building up your resilience.
Jerry Fieldsted
My early childhood was full of imagination and spark. I loved pretending I had superpowers, and that I could help people with them. I remember wearing my sweatshirts with the zipper down so I could have a cape. There was a fateful day, the first day of my third grade year in school, where this mentality had to adjust. I ran across the field to the kickball diamond, and was promptly cussed out by a new kid when I asked to play. Suddenly, I was thrust into a world of cruelty, where the worst elements of children was blossoming and using other kids as their stepping stones towards overpowering the traumas and troubles in their own lives. I had to harden. To not feel. It was a very challenging experience for the rest of my K-12 years fending off people who used me to heighten themselves. Who said some absolutely awful things for no reason beyond self-gratification, of looking down. Read more>>
Jo-anne Mcarthur
We often think of “thick skin” as an asset. With thick skin, we are better equipped to endure and recover, and not be too easily offended. I agree that being thick-skinned can be very valuable. But here’s a twist: I think that “thin skin” has its values, too. I’m someone who is very sensitive to the suffering of others. Whether it’s human woes or the suffering of non-human animals and the planet; these things affect me deeply. Like a sponge, my thin skin absorbs others’ hurt. I’ve come to see this as a superpower. Because I let the suffering of others affect me, over the course of my lifetime I have become someone who takes action against the suffering and injustices of the world so that there’s more joy. Read more>>
Benjamin Font
Resilience is necessary to exist. Without it, we’d have never overcome any of the countless obstacles that stood in the way of us being here at all. So to be alive in this moment is already a huge win, which I don’t take for granted. Any resilience beyond that stems from an unwavering belief that if I continue to relentlessly pursue my wildest dreams then I will absolutely achieve them. That optimism, and resilience – however naive – paired with a joy for living and disciplined approach to work that I truly love, ultimately creates a perspective that is both manageable and immediate, with a deep appreciation for the present and ambitious ideas for the future. Read more>>
Javier Barboza
My resilience came from the streets of the dog eat dog inner city LA gangland worlds. My hustle came from the graffiti world and was my gateway into considering myself an authentic artist in my youth. In the 90’s you where call out, either your a cholo/gangster, rocker, paisa, party crew or a tagger….I choose tagger. Graffiti Art… Art was and still my hustle. At age 9 is when I started first making money from my drawings selling barrio loony tunes to friends, 2 bucks, 5 bucks a drawing. I grew up in Boyle Heights/East LA. As teens in the hood, everybody had a nickname like, Droopy, Yogi, Gumby, Flacco, Snoopy, Cheeks, Tweety. So I would draw Cholo Tweety bird wearing a bandana, baggy paints and some steel boots. Read more>>
Jennifer Elizabeth
During my youth, whether times were difficult or going well I found that I always took joy in both listening to and performing music. It became a way for me to celebrate and enjoy the highs just as much as a coping mechanism to get through the lows. As I grew and progressed on to college and beyond, music was always there as a companion when I needed to a pick-me-up, and the thought of recording or performing would serve as the “light at the end of the tunnel”; giving me something to look forward to. While times haven’t always been easy, I truly feel that I am blessed to be able to express myself through music, and to have the opportunities that I have been able to take part in. Read more>>
Kalain Hilderbrand
I got my resilience from being alone and having nobody believe in me or my beliefs. To have the resilience to keep being me in the face of all adversity. To know deep within myself that I was born to be different and not follow the trends or status quo! That it’s very inspiring and courageous to stay yourself in a world where everyone wants you to be, act, think, and do like them. It was just never me. I’m 5 placements Sagittarius, so I definitely see a bigger and grander picture. Why would I put myself in a box to appease others? It wasn’t always like that though, when I was younger, I was lost, depressed, suicidal, and just felt I didn’t belong here. Read more>>
Space Hug
Our resilience comes from the fact that we love each other, and no matter the difficulties, we will overcome them. We work together as a team, with mutual respect and care. We complement each other in that what one can’t do, the other can. We plan a vision for ourselves and our future, and then we follow through to complete it. We do what it takes because, more than anything, we want to be together. The struggle isn’t so bad when you’ve found someone to share in it, laugh during it, and trust to see it through. Read more>>
Aiden Muhammad
It’s never the easy way out that helps a business grow. I direct all SEO operations at Hyperion Digital Solutions. At Hyperion, we conduct web design for solar companies, optimize their sites for high search engine ranking, and run SMM services. Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is all about a consistent and tailored approach. Google’s ranking algorithm updates about 500 times a year. Beating out the competitors for our clients takes relentless dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving search engine landscape. We don’t just follow trends; we anticipate them and leverage data-driven strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Read more>>
Alexis Garcia
I think my resilience comes from a mix of faith, my cultural roots, and life experiences. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I witnessed a deep sense of strength and perseverance—qualities that are woven into our heritage. My faith is a big part of what keeps me grounded, reminding me that I’m never alone in my challenges. Being a mom has also been a huge source of inspiration. Watching her step into her bravery pushes me to do the same. I know that every obstacle I overcome is not just about me—it’s about setting a strong example for her and honoring the values my family instilled in me. I draw strength from knowing that every challenge I face is an opportunity to grow and set an example for my daughter. Read more>>
Elizabeth Palacios
I get my resilience from the example my parents have set for me. As a first-generation American, I’ve witnessed their determination to thrive in a country that hasn’t always been accepting of immigrants or people with disabilities. Their strength has taught me to face adversity with courage. Despite being labeled and underestimated due to my disabilities, I’ve refused to let those labels define me. Through initiatives like Tutors Connects, I’ve found ways to constantly reshape myself and create opportunities for others to overcome their challenges. Resilience, for me, means continually growing and redefining who I am, no matter the obstacles. Read more>>
Julia Belian
Resilience is one of my favorite words because it’s such a powerful concept. I truly believe it’s the key to navigating life. Being resilient means being able to bounce back when things go wrong and finding a way to move forward no matter what. Life is full of challenges—sometimes it feels like one hurdle after another—but I’ve always believed that if you can face those challenges head-on and come out stronger, you’re already on the path to success. Read more>>
Anais Germosen
My resilience is rooted in a powerful legacy of hardworking immigrants who made their way to New York City from the Dominican Republic—starting with my grandfather, Alejandro (Alejo) Germosen, and carried forward by my parents, Ana and Alejandro. From the very beginning, I was taught that hard work was the key to achieving anything of value in life. This belief was instilled in me long before I was born. My parents arrived in this country at just 19 and 21, with a one-year-old child in tow. Five years later, I was born. Read more>>
Miracle Monét
My resilience comes from seeing both my parents beat cancer and push through their own life challenges. They were my first examples of what resilience looks like. It also comes from having faith. My faith plays the biggest part in my ability to bounce back the way I do. I know that nothing is impossible with God. One of my daily mantras is, “There’s nothing I can’t do”, and I believe it. I have convinced myself, through faith, that I am capable of taking on anything that is thrown my way because I’m not facing it alone. Read more>>
Rhonda Greene
My resilience comes from a mix of survival instincts, personal growth, and the love and support I’ve received. At first, it was just about getting through each day, but over time, I realized I had the strength to rebuild and even thrive. I leaned on tools like mindfulness, therapy, and journaling to process my feelings. Faith, hope, and a sense of purpose kept me grounded, reminding me why I wanted to move forward Read more>>
Larry Sklar
Time & experience have been major factors in developing resilience. The gem industry can be very challenging, difficult, and demanding. Rejection is commonplace, as there are numerous other dealers, each one offering supposedly better quality or better prices. I have a firm commitment to high quality opals at reasonable prices, with the quality of my cutting second to none. I strongly believe in the value of my product – opals – and have enough experience and knowledge to have 100% faith in what I am providing to my customers. “If at first you don’t succeed….” Read more>>
Emphasiz
I get my resilience from my parents, who are the ultimate role models in bouncing back and getting things done. My Mama is a powerhouse! I’ve seen her tackle tough situations with little to no help, sacrificing her fun to make sure everything’s handled. And once the dust settles, it’s like nothing ever happened—just good times all around. From her, I learned that minor setbacks should never derail your goals. Read more>>
John Aquino
At six years old, I had my first encounter with resilience in the most unexpected way—getting lost in Boracay. It was a perfect day on the island, the sun sparkling on the turquoise waves and the soft, white sand calling to my sense of adventure. My family was close by, enjoying the paradise, but I was too curious to stay still. I wandered into the water, letting the gentle waves carry me as I played. Read more>>
Lauren Isaacson
I wish I could say that resilience was one of those traits that was passed down to me, just like any other hereditary trait that is passed on from family members. However, in some cases I do think that is a part of my story. My family has lived a very blessed life. We did not have to struggle for food or shelter like many others have, and for that I am incredibly grateful that God has blessed myself and family in that manner. However, that does not mean we have not faced hardships and had to learn resilience.
My journey of learning resilience started when I was very little, though I was unaware what “resilience” meant. Starting at the age of four, I watched my brother battle cancer and the many ramifications of the horrible disease. With a child needing constant care, I had a front row seat to learning independence and how to care for myself. Read more>>
Anya Oleynik
A lot of my resilience comes from having my mom as a role model. She came to the US from Ukraine and raised me and my sister by herself. She worked really hard to support us and give us everything we needed. On top of that, she would always lend a helping hand to others in need. This motivated me to do well in school and try my best at everything I did. I wanted to someday make an impact on the world and help others in a way that would make my mom proud. Read more>>
Yoan Dominguez Gonzalez
You do not have a choice in Cuba. You must be resilient. After living there for 35 years, it becomes natural to continue life with the same mentality and with the same habits. Necessity builds the resilience that then becomes muscle memory. Read more>>
Brandon Elliott
How I got my resilience is complicated, but can be attributed to both traumatic experiences, and the dynamic of my family. I could also include organized sports. Overcoming the humble beginnings my siblings and I had to, created the mindset and determination to never give up and the ability to take on rejection with grace. Having 5 siblings will have its impact on being resilient. From getting to the shower first, or making the best impression on others, You had to be persistent. Read more>>
Chris Schniepp
I think my resilience comes from the experiences that shaped me early on, especially losing my younger brother when I was just five years old. He was only two at the time, but even at that young age, it was so clear he loved sports and cars—that’s what we spent most of our time playing with together. Losing him at such a young age was a pain I didn’t fully understand at the time, but it left a mark that’s stayed with me. As I grew older, I realized that his memory has become a source of strength. Read more>>
Tiffany Carpenter
I obtained my resilience through the journey of life. Once I began self reflecting, I realized that I needed to shift my perspective. Adversity isn’t 100% bad. There are many silver linings one could take from it. I started finding something positive in what I perceived as being negative. For example, during my entrepreneurial journey there were many instances where I would get several no’s. At first I would become frustrated or a little angry because I felt like I deserved the opportunity, however as I began to grow and seek understanding, I finally understood that no means next opportunity or not yet. Perhaps I reached some of these opportunities prematurely and I had not yet gained the capacity to receive it. There was still much work to do and I’m always willing to learn. Read more>>
Gabriel Porrata
I think my resilience comes from my experience as a Puerto Rican and everything it means to grow up in such a rich and strong culture. In Puerto Rico, we constantly face challenges, from devastating hurricanes like María in 2017 to economic hardships, but we always find a way to rise again. That taught me that no matter how hard the hit, there’s always a way to keep moving forward. Read more>>
Natasha Marcano Dillon
I earned my Bachelor’s in Communication Design and Master’s in Art Education. Throughout my college experience, my favorite classes were always the studio art courses. After becoming a high school teacher in 2015, I dedicated my summers to drawing various subjects and experimenting with different mediums. By 2019, I developed a keen interest in portraiture and focused on working on it with other styles during my breaks. I eventually worked primarily with charcoal, which allowed me to create more realistic representations of my subjects while being manageable as a parent of two small boys. Read more>>
Steven Short
I’d like to say I get my resilience from the idea that all things hoped for can be manifested and or achieved as long as you’re willing to see it through. A lot of times life can just simply be overwhelming. In a sense, it can feel like a game of tug of war except you’re being tugged in more directions than one, and, unfortunately, a lot of times we lose. But the saving grace is that the rope is always there for you to pick it back up with new found knowledge and experience from the last bout. Treat obstacles in your path the same way. If you fail the first time, on the second, you attack with a more specifically tailored goal in mind. You focus on that and do your best to reach it. Even if you fail again, you’ve made more progress with each and every time that you gave yourself another shot, and that’s when familiarity and routine begin to work wonders for you which then translates into confidence. Showing up is half the battle. Read more>>
Alyssa Maurer
Years and years of overcoming adversity, failure, and disappointment is the ingredient list for resilience. Along with these experiences is the patina of embarrassment turned to willpower that fosters growth. In my eyes, I view failure as a net positive character developing experience. I wouldn’t have experienced healing from my eating disorder unless I got sent home by my host family from my foreign exchange trip; cutting a year abroad dramatically short. My jokes on stage and in interpersonal relationships wouldn’t be strong unless I got up on stage and bombed repeatedly. Read more>>
Adeniyi Babajide
In the dynamic world of Product Management, resilience isn’t just a desirable trait—you have to have it or have it. My resilience stems from a combination of personal experiences, professional challenges, and a commitment to continuous growth. Read more>>
Shayne Henry
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of life experiences, a strong sense of purpose, and the people who inspire me daily. Growing up, I learned to navigate challenges by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks. Each obstacle taught me how to adapt and find strength in vulnerability. Read more>>
Meghan Sullivan
I experienced some things in my childhood that no child should ever have to endure. As a result, I live with PTSD—a part of me that even some of my closest friends and loved ones don’t know about. It’s not that I’m keeping it a secret; it’s just that I’ve never let my trauma define me. I’ve always managed to overcome life’s obstacles, even during tough times when I ask myself, “Will I be able to get through this?” Then I remember my 8-year-old self who got through it all, entirely on her own. So, my resilience comes from her. Read more>>
Ramon Nuñez
Truthfully my resilience stems from within. And when I say that, I don’t necessarily mean it’s entirely a “me” thing. ‘Nature & nature’ has played a huge role in my life. Yes I’m a “go getter” because I have that dog within me. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the people around me. I was raised by a strong village so to speak. Seeing the resilience in my loved ones inspired/inspires me. My family & friends are tough as nails. They’ve overcome many real life obstacles. Witnessing that first hand showed me anything is possible. Now I take that mentally with me to the highest level. Read more>>
Jesus Luviano
My resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing in Los Cuachalalates, a small community in Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico. The values instilled in me by my family and community have shaped who I am today. Growing up in a rural town, I witnessed the unwavering dedication of my parents, both farmers who faced immense challenges with limited resources. When my father’s health deteriorated, my mother stepped up to support our family, demonstrating incredible strength and determination. Read more>>
Lauren Dabb
When I first thought about this question, I immediately recognized that I am resilient, but it made me wonder—where does that resilience actually come from? To get some perspective, I asked my husband, who knows me better than anyone. Without hesitation, he said, “Your parents!” Read more>>
Robert Alex
I get my resilience from years of pushing through different jobs, challenges, and setbacks. When I started the journey of my own dog breeding mission and developing a unique designer breed, it was anything but straightforward. There were countless moments of uncertainty—moments where it felt like I was up against impossible odds. But each of those hurdles only strengthened my resolve. Read more>>
Emmanuel Legrair
My resilience comes from not having a choice but to be. I moved to Nashville in 2013 to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University. I had previously been an educator for 5 years and had become very comfortable. When I decided to make my home in Nashville following my schooling, I knew that I would have to create a network and brand for myself in the city. I cannot say that it has been easy, but through much trial and error, I am grateful to say that I have an amazing community and have had several once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Read more>>
Kelly Dunnigan
Sheer unadulterated stubbornness. I have never liked being told I can’t do something. In fact nothing inspires me more than being told I can’t do something. Even when all the odds support their conclusion. Because anything ever accomplished was done by another human who just had the audacity to try and the stubbornness to see it through. I’m not a confident person, I don’t think I have more answers than the person next to me or think I’m the most qualified person in the room. But I’m stubborn and I will work harder than the next 10 people to make the impossible possible. I show up, I do my part, I give my all and am always excited to learn something new from those around me. Even failure is a lesson that I can take and use to make the next project even better. Read more>>
Francisca Framacho Silva
Hi! I don’t know that I am resilient. I just keep going but definitely take breaks when needed and sometimes it takes a while to recover from what life throws at you. Keep going tho for the hope that a happy life is possible, for everybody. Read more>>
Angel Kaba
My resilience comes from a blend of experiences that shaped me and from a drive to uplift those who may feel they don’t have a voice. I was born in Brussels, Belgium and raised in France by my role model – the epitome of fortitude – my mother. Her strength taught me what resilience looks like, and I carry that with me everywhere. Growing up, things were often hard, and I learned early on that I couldn’t let myself fall into a victim mindset. I told myself, ‘I am a winner, always.’ Winning, to me, isn’t about beating others but about constantly pushing myself to be the best version of who I am and not allowing past hardships to define where I’m going. Read more>>
Gina The Machina
Resilience is a topic I have mixed feelings about- It is an inspiring quality to have, but it typically comes from a dark place, many years of endured trauma, and hard work.
I consider myself to be extremely resilient and I believe that mostly comes from my will-power and my strong sense of self. I find myself connected to the story of the Lotus Flower. The lotus flower has to grow through unideal conditions in order for it to bloom. It must push through thick muck at the bottom of a dark and dank body of water and it needs to be able to do this at it’s youngest and most fragile stages of life. After pushing upwards resiliently through muck, darkness and the weight of water, it can then reach the surface and bloom into a beautiful flower. The story of the Lotus flower and my story are the same. Read more>>
Ana Trujillo Limo
I feel like I come from generational resilience. My ancestors survived all they went through so that we could be here today, but I’ve also had great role models in my life who showed me what it was to be resilient. My dad was a Vietnam veteran of the Marine Corps, and he showed me how to turn pain into progress and take the worst experiences in life and find the positive in them. My mom was a public school teacher for 35-plus years in a small district in rural Colorado. She showed me what it meant to be resilient in the face of limited resources and to fight for what we believe in. Read more>>
Oshi
I think I inherited the resilience from my Mother . She has been my role model growing up . Strong and righteous she had always faced every challenge of life very gracefully and took every decision single-handedly and with conviction. Sharing her journey and being her only daughter made me experience life very closely from a very young age. Somehow it was engraved in me never to give up till I’ve tried the last straw. Life through its myriad trials made me believe that when a door closes many more open up. It made me adopt a never-say-never attitude which by far helped me in every phase of my life. What i feel is no matter what situation you are in you should have an unwavering belief in yourself,be sincere in your efforts, give your best, and have faith that can see you through all challenges. We are all here with a purpose and all we have to do is fulfill it with our duties. Read more>>
Elena Burkhart
Resilience come from wiliness to adapt to changes circumstances, mental toughness, optimism and internal confidence in success. Some time ago I gave myself a permission to make a mistakes. And when I do, I learn from it, adapt and move forward with more enthusiasm. When I grew up my mother use to tell us the famous quote of Winston Churchill “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm” When time is tough, it serve as a reminder and gives me hope and streing. My personal example is my immigration to US. Read more>>
