Etched in Sand is a beautiful story about a resilient woman named Regina Calcuterra. Here is a story about a resilient 17 year old boy. http://www.ksl.com/?nid=294&sid=12224864&autostart=y
Find a person who shows or has shown human resilience. Tell us the story.
The day is fast approaching. You have waited for this day since you were eight. You used to dress up and act it out with your friends. You have told all your family. All your friends from high school are jealous, but still they are happy for you. You have spent countless hours of planning to make sure everything is perfect. You ask your best friend to be apart of one of the most important days of your life. Constantly thinking of every moment and just how perfect it will be. In a few days, your father will walk you down the isle. The look in the eyes of all the people and your future husband as they see you more beautiful than ever. Excited to finally see the day you have been waiting so long for to came true. To start your new life together with your best friend forever. Everything will soon be perfect in the world. It is just a few days until your wedding day. Until you get a call. Your fiancé got cold feet. The wedding is cancelled. You are not getting married. Soon all your dreams and happiness are destroyed. All the planning you have done over the years is gone in a matter of seconds. Instead of getting married next week, you'll just be sitting at home alone.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happened to a 27-year old Sacramento women, Quinn Duane. She had to reverse and cancel all her wedding plans. She called all her guests and told them not to come. She called to cancel the food, but she couldn't. Her $35,000 deposit for her wedding were paid and the bills would be coming soon. What would she do with enough food for 120 people? With the help of her mother, the ex-bride decided to turn into an amazing, unforgettable night. It just wouldn't be for her. It would be for all the local homeless people who wanted to come. On the Saturday night that was suppose to be her wedding, her mother greeted the homeless as they came in. The now had the ability to feed their families food from a four-star hotel restaurant, better food than any of them have eaten in years. Most of them struggled to give their children three meals a day, but for a night they could forget the struggles of their live and enjoy what really matters.
The bride-to-be still was filled with pain and stayed home for the night. Of course, she was filled with disappointed, anger, and loss. Still, she turned one of her worst fears, into a dream for hundreds of people. She didn't give up and feel sorry for herself, she gave all she had to those who truly needed it. Also, part of the wedding cost was a honeymoon, which will be enjoyed by the mother and daughter, who didn't let adversity ruin them, but rather turned it into something positive.
http://m.kcra.com/news/cancelled-wedding-ends-with-meal-offered-to-homeless/35906354
DeleteJustin,
DeleteI liked how you opened up your blog. It allowed me to form a picture in my head of the events that were unfolding. I think this is a very heart warming story even after someone's heart was broken. Instead of looking at the scenario and thinking woe is me she turned it around and created a night that impacted the lives of countless numbers of people who had far less than she did. Great blog!
Justin,
DeleteI liked the format of your blog. Every single sentence built ontop of the last one to create, just like Dan said, a mental picture in my head. Although the groom backed out, the opportunity was not wasted. The ex-bride really didn't spoil the night, she thrived in the circumstances. Great blog!
Justin, this blog was really inspirational. The way you set it up was very beautiful and allows the readers to engage in your writing. Good job!
DeleteJustin, I really enjoyed your blog. I loved your use of imagery in he beginning. The whole story brought an image to my head. This a very interesting story that can change someone's life. Quinn impacted and changed many lives too. Good job!
DeleteA couple of years back, I stumbled upon an amazing story of a resilient young man named Ross Capicchioni. Resilience is all about bouncing back into life, and trying to thrive from whatever experiences one overcomes. Ross was a junior in high school, hanging out and riding skateboards, when it all happened. One day, his "friend" asked him for a ride to his cousins house, down in the "D", meaning Detroit. Specifically East Detroit. This part of the city is basically a third world country. Police don't stop their cars, and barely venture into the 7 mile chaos. After a week of pleading, Ross finally gave in. When he entered the rundown East Detroit, he had an eerie feeling that something wasn't right.
ReplyDeleteWhen they pulled up to their destination, Capicchioni stepped out of the car and merely seconds later, "BOOM!" When he glanced at his arm, he saw it was hanging off, like a zombie. After a couple hard blinks, the reality of blood and pellets lacing it slapped him in the face. He looked up and saw a kid holding a shotgun. He said to him, "Did you just shoot me?" The kid looked him right in the eyes, pumped the shotgun again, and "BOOM!" Shot him right in the chest. Ross fell to his knees, his chest hair and skin was gone, he couldn't see, and he was in utter shock. That is when he felt the barrel of the gun, shaking, on his head. As he slapped it away, "BOOM!" Although it was misdirected, the pellets still sprayed his scalp really good, but it didn't "blow his head off like a watermelon." After that, he still had a little sight, and when he looked up, he saw the kid staring at him. He took the gun and smashed him in the face with it, knocking out his teeth. Somehow, Ross could still see at this point. He felt someone digging in his pockets, and seconds later, he saw his Jeep Commander peeling away.
He thought, "well, either I stay laid down in this spot right here and I die or I try to get up." He kept trying and trying but he just couldn't find the strength. He thought, "one more." As he attempted to stand, he felt these arms pick him up, and he tried to grab the person for support, but there was no one there (must have been his guardian angel). He was pushed 8 feet and fell onto the road, where he went in and out of consciousness.
By density I think, there was a parol officer at a stop light and he saw Ross laying there all bloody in broad daylight. After the ambulance came and took him, he was pronounced dead on arrival, but the doctor refused to give up. He was in a coma for three days after surgery, and he finally woke up to nurses screaming with happiness. He coughed up a ball of tar and BB's, and could finally breathe clean air again. The only thing Ross remembered was his fathers phone number. While his dad was cleaning his car (keep on mind his son has been missing for 3 days) he got a phone call from the hospital saying that his son was shot, but is alive. He was released from the hospital after 5 days. The day he got home, the FBI showed up to his house with a picture of the kid who shot him, they had him in custody. After he shot Ross, the murderer called up his buddy and told him what he did, and his friend called the police. Because Capicchioni survived the attack, the shooter only got 35 years in prison, instead of a life sentence. In later years, authorities found out that the only reason the kid shot him was because shooting a random person got him into a gang. It was the initiation. Everyday for 2 years, Ross had to retrain himself to talk, eat, dress, and bathe. He woke up with a new attitude one day, and overcame all of his hardest obstacles. That is the definition of resilience, the ability to bounce back and overcome the hardships of life.
Ross telling the story is much stronger than any text can put it. Watch it here.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_PtJwNu3Q
Charlie,
DeleteI think we can learn something from this. Instead of giving up and letting himself die, Ross found the strength in him that shouldn't have been there to get up and put himself into a position for rescue. I think we can see God at work here. Like you said in your blog it had to be his guardian angle that gave him that extra strength to push forward. Also, that is terrible that in order to get into a gang the kid had to kill someone. What kind of people kill innocent lives just to become a member of a gang. Great blog!
How this kid got shot three times and lived is a miracle of resilience in itself. This is such a great example. He was pronounced dead at one point, but still fought to live! He went through all of this just so somebody could be initiated into a gang. His shooter didn't even get a life sentence. This attacker ruined his quality of life, but still he learned to overcome all of this. He is the definition of resilience.
DeleteWow. That is some strength.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteStephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. From early age Hawking always had an interest for the sky and beyond those limits. His mother once said, "Stephen always had a strong sense of wonder." Growing up Stephen Hawking came from a family of great minds. His father and mother both were exceptional thinkers that were well known throughout England. Stephen grew up with some struggles early on though. He lived at a time when World War II was in full swing and England was being bombarded by the Germans. His family was not wealthy and there home was a fixer upper to say the least. So as he progressed through school he did not show much interest or invest a lot of his time to studying and learning. He estimated that over the course of his time in school he would study maybe and hour a day. Hawking attended Oxford University and later attended Cambridge for his PhD. While at Cambridge he began noticing his health begin to fail. He would occasionally fall or have slurred speech. Eventually he went to visit the doctor and they ran tests that concluded he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The doctors gave Stephen, at most, two years to live.what must have been running through his head when the doctors gave him this news? When Hawking was told his diagnosis his life changed dramatically. He felt as though he must make something of his life and contribute his knowledge before time runs out. Before the diagnosis, Hawking hadn't always focused on his studies. "Before my condition was diagnosed, I had been very bored with life," he said. "There had not seemed to be anything worth doing." What Hawking contributed to the field of science was a whole new idea on black holes and the universe itself. As his physical health and body were diminishing his fame seemed to be increasing. He won many awards and prestigious prizes and titles that made him one of the most recognizable people on the earth. The challenges he faced through ALS were becoming worse and worse. In 1985 he had lost the ability to speak and his mobility was limited to a wheelchair. Hawking still has the ability to communicate because of a technological advancement made by a researcher in California. This technology allowed Hawking to choose words that would be resounded to whomever he was speaking to. This function had to be connected to a muscle in his cheek because the rest of his body was unable to perform any functions. Since this technology was applied to Hawking he still has the ability to do research and write scientific papers that continue to lead us to new horizons. Throughout his entire career Stephen Hawking has been challenged by many obstacles. He could have chosen to give up, but he didn't. Could you imagine where the field of science would be if his resilience to prevent ALS from overcoming him had not prevailed. It is crazy to think that a 21 year old man was given two to three years to live at most. Yet, because of some miracle that man is still alive today. And not only is he alive, but he is still conducting research and broadening the spectrum of thought on space and time. ALS is one of the most life threatening and horrific diseases people can be diagnosed with, but instead of letting it overcome him Stephen Hawking used it as motivation to never back down and become one of the greatest minds in history.
ReplyDeleteMost ALS sufferers only live three years after diagnosis. Only 5% live twenty more years. He had a 95% of dying in these past years for this disease, but he is still alive fighting today. It's also incredible how the disease made him interested in life. If it wasn't for the disease, would he have contributed as much to science? From your blog, it is inspiring to see how a person who had a horrible life, turned out to be one of the smartest and influential of our time.
DeleteStephen Hawkings story is incredible. I can't even imagine what I would do if doctors told me that I only two or three years to live. One thing I wouldn't do would be to invest myself in books, rather I would try to travel or gain experience. I'm not saying the disease is a good thing, but if it haven't stricken him, who know where we would be today? Great blog!
DeleteDan,
DeleteWhen I saw I had to write about human resilience Stephen Hawking came to mind, but I saw you wrote yours about him. I am glad you wrote yours about him because you did an exceptional job doing so. His story reminds me of the story we are reading in theology, Tuesdays with Morrie. Great job overall.
Here is where I got my information:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.biography.com/people/stephen-hawking-9331710#related-video-gallery
Resilience is defined as the ability to correctly adapt to stress and adversity. When I saw this blog I immediately thought of Dr. Ben Carson. Today we know him as one of the five candidates left in the race for the Republican Presidential Candidate and the famous surgeon who separated conjoined twins. But what we do not know is his road to success.
ReplyDeleteCarson grew up in Detroit, with his mother and brother Curtis. Carson’s mother, Sonya, married his father, a Baptist minister, when she was thirteen. His father, a bigamist, left the family when Carson was eight. From that point on Sonya took care of the two boys by herself. Even though Sonya was not educated, she made sure her boys took every opportunity that came forward. So Ben and Curtis would do their homework, they were not allowed to watch TV or play outside until all their homework was finished. Ben loved to read books; he acquired that from his mother. Sonya made her boys read two library books every week and write a report on the book given to her, despite her ability to read their reports. Ben was at the bottom of his class, but after much discipline, he moved to the front of the class his eighth grade year. He graduated from inner-city school, Southwestern High School. Carson received a full scholarship to Yale, where he met his wife, Candy. After Yale, Carson went to the University of Michigan to become a neurosurgeon. After medical school, he started working at Johns Hopkins University. Carson moved around to different cities and hospitals. 1987 was Carson’s famous year. Ben Carson successfully performed a twenty-two hour-long surgery on seven-month-old occipital craniopagus twins. Later in 2003, Carson did the impossible, performed surgery on twenty-nine year old twins, who earned law degrees together. In 2013, Carson announced he was retiring from his profession, later becoming a Fox News contributor. Carson announced his run for the President of the United States in 2015 saying, “I don’t want to be a politician because politicians do what is politically expedient. I want to do what is right.”
To me, Ben Carson is the most genuine Presidential Candidate and I wish he could have the opportunity to lead this country. America needs a person with the American Dream outlook, who will inspire the country with his own resilient story.
http://www.biography.com/people/ben-carson-475422
DeleteHe also wrote really amazing books, one in particular I hope Mrs. Messineo lets us read!
I love this and Ben Carson! We need a president who knows what the the tough times feels like, and that he wouldn't that to happen to anyone else!
DeleteBen Carson has a great life story. I have had the opportunity to read his book "Gifted a Hands" and it's amazing and life changing. He definitely knows the feeling of living a tough life. I really enjoy Ben Carson and I hope he makes it far in this presidential race. Great blog Elise, I loved your ending with stating the "American Dream outlook".
DeleteBottom of his class, learning from his mother who couldn't read, and them becoming the best neurosurgeon of the century. That's an incredible story.
DeleteCarson is a perfect example of human resilience. From all of the hard ship he faced growing up, to where he is now is truly unbelievable. Personally, I think that Carson should stick to what he does best and be a neurosurgeon though. Not president.
DeleteElise,
DeleteI did not know these facts about Carson. It is truly amazing how some people aspire to do the things that he did. But, as Frank said above, I do not believe that he was fit to be president. He should stick to what he put his education into and what he dedicated his life to.
Louis Zamperini was a man who showed human resilience against some of the hardest situations no one would even think off. Louis Zamperini was born of Italian immigrants in 1917 in Olean, New York. Louis was a troubled kid who at a young age stole, drank, and smoked. He was bullied when he moved to Torrance California because he had trouble speaking English. He was raised in a strict Catholic household with his parents, older brother Pete, and two younger sisters Sylvia and Virginia. His older brother Pete was a good role model and ran in high school. Pete wanted his brother to stray away from the bad things he was doing so he invited Louis to run with him. Louis agreed and turned into an incredible long distance runner. Louis became the fastest high schooler in America to run the 1 mile, and ended up going to be one of the fastest long distance collegiate runner in America as well. Running was the only thing that kept him going so he tried out for the US Olympic team for track and field and made it. He ran in the 1936 Olympic Games in Pre-war Berlin. During that race he ran the fastest last lap in the 5,000 meters, 56 seconds to be exact, but only ended up in 8th place. He was on the fast track to the Tokyo Olympic games, but unfortunately World War II intervened.
ReplyDeleteLouis enlisted to be in the Air Corps. In one of their missions Louis's plane ended up crashing and only 3 out of the 11 survived, one being Louis. The three men were left at sea with no food or water for 47 days. They encountered Japanese shooters, Sharks, and the Suns hot rays beating down on them. Unfortunately, one member of the group died which left Louis and his friend Phil on a island owned by Japan. The two men were than takes as POWS (prisoners of war). These two mend were then spilt up and sent to various different camps to be tortured, beaten, and ridiculed with little to eat. Louis was singled out by one of the sergeants named, "The Bird". The Bird felt as if Louis and him were the same, but just enemies. The Bird bear Louis to the core with the beatings that could last up to days. Fortunately, for Louis, he was an Olympic star so they could use him as propaganda for the Japanese. Back home Louis was pronounced dead, but his family knew that he was still alive somewhere out there. The torture at the POW camps went on for 2 years. Louis was worried that since the Allies were winning the war they were going to kill all the POWS. Fortunately, Japan surrendered leaving all the POWS safe. The affects of the war were overwhelming on Louis. He and his wife almost split, he was an alcoholic, and faced depression. During his journey in the war he promised to God that if he spared him that he would follow him, because even though his family were followers of God Louis did not believe in him. It took him awhile, but Louis found God and his life was turned around. Louis got back to Japan to run the opening ceremony torch for the olympics. While he was back there he forgave the Japanese men who ran the camp, except The Bird because he refused to meet up with Louis.
This story shows an abundance of horrible and tragic events, but proved that God is always there for you. Louis never gave up. Louis believed in himself and the people around him until the bitter end. He has the courage to keep going even though it was hard.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XrjJbl7kRrI This is a link to the movie trailer for this called "Unbroken", and there is also a book published about him.
DeleteReilly,
DeleteThis story is incredible. Some of the things people can go through and still be alright, like Louis, is insane. He had a really hard life, but he found God and even forgave the people who hurt him. That is so inspirational that even though those people made him suffer he still forgave them, absolutely incredible, good job.
One of my favorite books of all time. I love this guys story!
DeleteA person with resilience. Walt Disney had resilience. Walt Disney was an American cartoonist, animator, voice actor, and film producer. He was prominent figure in the animation industry. He gave great influence of entertainment during the 20th century. Walt Disney was born in 1901. During his teenage years he started his art career. He also considered becoming an actor and political cartoonist but nobody would hire him. After finally finding a company that would hire him, Walt began making great success. He worked for multiple companies having great success. He made plans to open a theme park named "Disneyland" in California which was a great success immediately in 1955. It was considered the worlds first theme park. Visitors came from all around the world to attend this great theme park. Disneyland became a TV show too. It was finally renamed to "The Wonderful World of Disney" because it finally changed to a colored screen instead of black and white. It also aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Hallmark. On ABC, they aired features of the theme park too. They showed what it looked like, key features, and how it was absolutely amazing. They aired multiple movies made by Walt Disney and his company also. This had great success also. "Disney World" was then made in Orlando Florida. It's key features were Magic Kingdom and EPCOT back then. There are now multiple sections at this theme park. The world of Disney became a prominent figure in family entertainment. It was the lead of family entertainment. You may wonder though, how does Walt Disney show resilience? After the movies were released, WW2 began. It really hindered movie productions and viewings, but this didn't stop Disney. He kept creating and creating. Disney also shows resilience because he was rumored to have been antisemitic. He welcomed in a German filmmaker who was also a Nazi propagandist. She was at the site to promote a new movie. Walt, the great man he was, took care of the situation and his theme park and publishing features kept going. They still pleased each and every person watching. Walt also showed resilience when his park went bankrupt, but not many people know this. Disney was just a struggling filmmaker with too many bills. Without the distributor's cash, Disney couldn't cover and his studio went bankrupt in 1923. He then left Kansas City for Hollywood, and after a series of successful creations, Disney debuted a new character named Mickey Mouse in 1928. Walt is the reason we have Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy today. This bankruptcy didn't stop him. Walt Disney was a man who could not be stopped. He kept going and that is why everyone knows who he is today.
ReplyDeletehttp://mentalfloss.com/article/20169/7-wildly-successful-people-who-survived-bankruptcy
Deletehttp://www.biography.com/people/walt-disney-9275533
I'll tell you what, i will give my brother all the credit in the world when it comes to resilience. He beat the odds when it came to health related problems. On May 18, 2014, Kyle wrecked his motorcycle into the back end of a mini van. He had compartment syndrome because when he slid under the van he pinched his knee between the bike and the bumper. With the life flight to UPMC Pittsburgh, and entering a 12 hour immediate surgery, the doctors gave him a 2 percent chance he was going to keep that leg at all. After the surgery the doctors told my parents it was an absolute miracle. After 3 weeks of being down there, and going through countless surgery they told him he would be able to walk again. All kyle wanted to do was play his senior year of football. They told him he would never be able to play sports again. Well he played his entire senior year of football without a problem.
ReplyDeleteI consider this resilience because he pushed himself and dug deep to accomplish his goals. Rehab and therapy got him to where he needed to be. He went down for an appointment and he walked in without crutches. The doctors couldn't believe how fast he was recovering. The surgeon for the Pittsburg Steelers soon began to examine him and said there was a possibility of him playing football again. That was all he needed to push himself that much further. He was cleared during the summer about 5 weeks before 2-a-days. He did what he set out to do.
I think that it is awesome you chose your brother. He really did show human resilience. Kyle managed to achieve his goal of playing his senior year of football, and not only played, but player very well. With only a 2 percent chance, Kyle beat the odds and displayed human resilience.
DeleteDoug,
DeleteI loved how you used your own personal experience. Kyle's story is definitely a perfect example of human resilience. Statistics and odds are just numbers, and Kyle beat them all.
Doug,
DeleteThis is awesome. This is the best blog, in my eyes, because we all know Kyle's story so well, and it means so much more coming from you. We all have our own recollections from Kyle's story, but yours are truly authentic, especially in this blog,
Doug,
DeleteIt is great to see that you chose Kyle, every one else chose people that were inspiring but none of us have a true, authentic connection with them. With Kyle, you were right there, experiencing him fight making your blog all the more authentic
What a remarkable story. I am certain that that experienced changed your entire family. How scary that must have been for all of you. Yay Kyle!!!!
DeleteI am a huge Chicago Cubs fan, and I could not think of a better demonstration of human resilience than Anthony Rizzo. Anthony Rizzo is currently the Chicago Cubs first baseman. Last season, Rizzo hit 32 home runs and earned his first MLB All Star selection. Rizzo was drafted in 2007 by the Boston Red Sox. Although these our amazing achievements, none even come close to Rizzo's greatest triumph, a victory against Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. In 2007, in the Boston Red Sox farm system Rizzo performed very well and achieved higher than most people in the Red Sox organization intended. Soon after his hot start, Rizzo realized there was something seriously wrong. After returning from a long road trip, Rizzo gained fifteen pounds due to swelling in his legs. It was at this time that Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and started receiving treatment right away in Boston. Rizzo began receiving chemotherapy treatment for months in 2008. In September of 2008, Rizzo's tumors were gone and he began remission. In Etched in Sand, Regina Calcaterra talks so much about how she not only cares for herself, but always cared for her younger siblings, Rosie and Norm. Rizzo has done the same thing. Rizzo hosts an annual 'Walk For Cancer' 5k, and donates all of the money he collects to cancer research. Rizzo has also given people lots of hope, including one of his former high school students. Ronit Reoven was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma soon after giving birth to her second child. Rizzo has answered any questions she has, and has helped her and her family cope with the disease. Human resilience is the ability for someone to properly adapt to stress and adversity. Anthony Rizzo is a perfect example of someone showing human resilience. Being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma would have been and easy excuse for Rizzo to give up on his dream and stop playing the game he loves. Rizzo is now one of the best first basemen in the whole league, and is a fan favorite in Chicago.
ReplyDeletehttp://m.mlb.com/news/article/40669742/
DeleteFrank,
DeleteI have never heard of this story before and I think it was a great example of resilience. I also liked how you connected him to the book that we had to read. Great job!
When thinking of a resilient person, one that stuck out in my mind was Bethany Hamilton. Bethany was just an average girl born and raised in Hawaii, who had a passion for surfing. Her passion for surfing drove her to perform competitively starting at the young age of eight. After her first year of competing, she earned her first sponsorship. Bethany was thriving in the sport of surfing, and she never thought anything could stop her. Then came the morning of October 31, 2003. Bethany and her best friend went for their normal morning surf like any other day. Except on this day, Bethany's life was changed forever. As she was laying of her board, she felt an intense pain on her left side. As she looked around, the water was turning red. She pulled her arm away, and saw that her left arm was severed almost completely. Bethany was rushed to the nearest hospital. She underwent several surgeries and lost 60% of her blood. The only thing that the doctors could do was amputate the arm. They could not save it. After a few weeks, she was released to go home. Bethany received national attention for her incident, and got sympathy from many. But Bethany did not want sympathy. She did not feel bad for herself. It was discovered that her arm was bitten by a 14-foot tiger shark. Bethany was as determined as ever.
ReplyDeleteThis is where the word "resilient" begins to define Bethany. One month after her attack, she returned to surfing. This was a whole new obstacle to overcome; she had to surf with one arm. But, this obstacle was not a barrier in front of Bethany's dreams. She had always wanted to become a professional surfer and travel around the world competing. Instead of letting her attack define her life, she used it to motivate not only herself, but others as well. Bethany went around the world talking about how she overcame her shark attack as a motivational speaker. She also became an author of motivational books and an autobiography. In 2005, Bethany won the Women's Division of the NSSA National Championships. Soon after this, she started her professional career, her dream.
Because of her determination, a movie was made about Bethany's life. This movie demonstrated her resilience and selflessness. She wanted to use her experience to benefit others who have been through tough situations, and she did this well. In 2013, Bethany married Adam Dirks who continued to travel and support her as she spoke to crowds. Her life turned out to be just as she wanted it to be. In 2015, she gave birth to her son Tobias who is now the center of her life. Bethany Hamilton is truly an admirable, resilient woman who followed her dreams despite her obstacles.
http://www.biography.com/people/bethany-hamilton
DeleteKara,
DeleteBethany Hamilton is a very good example of resilience. The way she kept going even after everything that happened and has the life she always dreamed is so inspirational. I have heard her story many times, but every time I do it never fails to make me feel awed and amazed by what one person can do if they believe in themselves.
Kara,
DeleteWhen I read the assignment Bethany Hamilton was the person that came to my mind as well. I love that movie and I think that her story is truly remarkable. You did a great job explaining this story.
Everyone has seen the movie "The Blind Side", a story that inspired and touched us all. So I am not going to sit here and explain the entire movie when we have all seen it, but mostly touch on the real Michael's resilience. Michael Oher was an innocent child born into a broken home life in 1986. Michael's father who was never really there for him and his family was murdered. His mother was addicted to cocaine raising him and his other 11 siblings all her own. So Michael was pretty much raising himself. Because of the lack of caregiving from his parents, Michael jumped throughout foster care homes and was sometimes left homeless until Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy came along. The Tuohy family took Michael in their home, and eventually wanted him there for good. In the movie, it seems that Michael's hard life growing up made him put his frustration into playing football. Which of course could have been true, but Michael actually stated that he grew up knowing how to play football. From the day he started playing for the school though, everyone knew he had talent. This drew attention to many scouts and coaches from division 1 colleges. After a tough decision, Michael accepted a football scholarship to Ole Miss (University of Mississippi). This is where Michael's new parents attended college. Oher received many awards even in his first year of college. In the 2009 NFL Draft, Michael was selected 23rd overall by the Baltimore Ravens. Michael achieved many great things with this team including making it to playoffs and eventually winning the Super Bowl XLVll. Following the 2014 season, Cam Newton recruited Michael to the Carolina Panthers. Michael helped them make it to Super Bowl 50, with an unfortunate loss.
ReplyDeleteMichael's career is not what makes him such a resilient and inspiring person. His determination to never let himself become what he always tried getting away from. He became not only a better student, but a better person.
http://www.biography.com/people/michael-oher-547478
Morgan,
DeleteI love Michal Oher's story. The Blind Side brought his story of resilience to the light, and made non football fans be a football fan, I was one. I love how you pointed out that he knew how to play football before he moved in with the Tuohy's. Great blog!
The blind side and the story of Michael oher is perfect for the blog. He overcame adversity and became who he is through resilience.
DeleteMorgan,
DeleteI never thought of this example, but it fits very well! It is truly a shows how dedicated people can be to achieving their dreams, but also how giving some people are to others. What an inspirational story!
The first person that comes to mind when I think of resilience or perseverance is Craig Dietz. Craig Dietz is from St. Marys, he grew up, went to college, and is now a motivational speaker. One thing that makes Craig special is that he was born without any arms or legs, but he hasn't let that stop him at all.
ReplyDeleteCraig visited our school a few years back to talk with us, and I have always remembered him since. He told us of how he was as active as he possibly could be because he wanted to be remembered. Not remembered of what he couldn't do, but of all the things he could. Craig hunted, fished, bowled, skied, swam, played the drums, and so much more, and still does these things. He graduated high school with honors and went to college at Duquesne. He was also active on campus, joined a fraternity and worked often with Campus Ministry. He graduated with a degree in political science and went on to law school, graduating from University of Pittsburgh Law School and easily passing the bar exam. He worked for 10 years as an attorney. Now he can be booked to give inspirational talks. Craig had to adapt and work hard his whole life, to achieve everything he did. Nothing he did was easy, but he made it work and excelled. He has always been able to do the impossible, and hasn't let anyone's doubt stand in his way. He drives, writes, swims, and does things people said would never be possible for him. Swimming is his passion, and he is very talented at it. He has competed in countless races, ranging from 1 mile to over 5 miles, and finishes ahead of many other competitors. Craig does not let his handicap keep him from achieving his dreams.
Craig's story is so inspirational and has stuck with me since I first heard it years ago. He has overcome so many hardships, but is so happy and seeks to help others. Craig Dietz does not give up on anything and has done so many good things. He is truly an inspiration and I hope one day to hear him speak again.
Information from:
http://www.craigdietzspeaks.com/about
Rachel,
DeleteI remember listening to Craig's story years ago. I run past his house almost every night, and every time I go by I think of him. It is amazing the way he can swim without arms or legs. His life goes to show that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. I remember him showing pictures of his driving setup. He is an amazing man. I enjoyed reading your blog!
This guy is unbelievable.
DeleteOne person who reminds me of resilience is Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor. Elie describes his book, titled Night. Elie describes the drastic change from normal life to living in concentration camps, and he also does a fantastic job describing his will to survive. Elie's story begins describing his family and down, but their town is invaded by the Nazis shortly after the start of World War Two. Elie is forced out of his home, discriminated against, and is eventually forced on to a train. The train is just the beginning of the inhuman conditions to follow, it is highly overcrowded and they receive little food. The train makes a stop on the way to Auschwitz for an initial "selection." The selection was a decision process to eliminate those who could not handle labor, those who were too weak were killed and this massacre was noted by Elie as he entered the camp. It was at this point where people around him began to lose faith in God and hope of survival. Elie was then moved to Auschwitz where he and his father preformed hard, excruciating labor, the two, as well as the rest of the prisoners, received as little food as they could survive on. Elie continues his story describing events like the execution of prisoners, a forty-two mile run to a different camp, and another train ride, but this time, the prisoners were not fed and only twelve out of the initial one-hundred people on Elie's car survived. He also describes events the took place, like beatings he received and see is dad slowly die of dysentery and one day disappear to the crematory. Elie is constantly fighting to stay with his dad, lying to make selections, giving his dad extra food so he will live, and labor int way too hard for a teenager. Elie's mentality changes after his father dies, is goal is to make it outside of the camps, and this happens as a resistance drives the Nazis out of the camp during an air raid, followed by liberation, from the Americans. Elie is freed and ends his story looking in a mirror and saying "From the depths of the mirror, a corpse gazed back at me."
ReplyDeleteElite strikes me as resilient because he fought through the largest, and most atrocious genocide that history has ever seen. Elie suffered beatings, working excessive hours, and did whatever he could do to get enough food to survive. Elie faced death at any time, he could have decided that he was not going to work anymore, and he would have been killed that same day, but he kept fighting. He could have gave up after his dad died, but he didn't. Elie could have even gave up when he saw the pits of burning babies and adults, but he survived the encounter and has made it one of his life's works to inform people about the holocaust, many who want deny its existence. Elie has taken his fighting story and made something out of it, he chooses not to forget about it, instead he wants other to know and to prevent a similar atrocity from happening I'm the future, this is what makes him truly resilient.
Johnny,
DeleteThat book is an inspiration to anybody that reads it. Elie's resilience during the holcaust is unbelievable. You mentioned that he decided to write this book after he got out. He does not want something like this to happen again, so he is willing to relive his atrocities to prevent it. This is a good example of resilience John.
Love him!
DeleteI got my information from
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/how-running-changed-life-boy-autism-n194051
Mike Brannigan is one of the greatest runners in the country. He is a high school student who is from New York. He is in the top 10 high school runners in the United States. Just by watching him run you would not be able to tell that he has autism. As a child doctors have told his parents that he would have to go to a special home and school. He has stunned doctors and everyone watching him by finding his love in running. His parents say that it allows him to focus and slow his mind down long enough to think. He has maintained a 84 grade point average which is remarkable with his condition. Although everyone has told him that he would not be able to run he has proved them all wrong and is hoping to compete in the Olympics someday. He is a senior in high school and wants to compete and go to school at a Division One school. Over 100 colleges have approached him about running for their college. Another obstacle that he must overcome to be able to run for a Division One school is that the NCAA requires all their athletes to take the SAT's in order to get into the school. Mike and his family do not know whether or not he will be handle taking the SAT's. He was named an All American in track and field in high school. He also has the record for the fastest mile in New York. He can run it in 4 minutes and 7 seconds flat. His coach says that he has never trained anyone more drive to than Mike. He often has to make Mike slow down so that he does not hurt himself. Mike has worked very hard to become the runner that he is today and it has not been easy for him to maintain his grades because of the learning disabilities that he suffers from. Through a lot of perseverance he has shown that he is more than a kid with autism. He is a kid that has overcame autism and brought out the best of himself through running. He will continue to work hard to try and achieve his goals of running for a Division One college and competent in the Olympics. Mike has a dream of wearing a USA shirt and competing and through hard work and dedication he has a chance of getting there. He never gave up which has allowed him to work so hard to get where he is today.
Ben Comen was born with his twin brother ten weeks premature. His parents knew that he was different from the other kids almost immediately. Ben was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was fifteen months old. As a child he struggled to walk, and found it hard to do most of the things that most people could do easily. He had to sleep at night with a leg brace on, he attended many sessions of physical therapy, and took an overwhelming amount of medication. Everything changed at the end of his seventh grade school year when he found out that eighth graders were eligible to run on the high school cross country team.
ReplyDeleteBen and his parents were finding it hard for a sport that he was able to participate in. Most teams were happy to have him on the team as long as he was willing to bring his teammates water or sit on the bench for most of the game. Ben was not the kind of kid that wanted to sit on the bench. He wanted to participate. At the end of his seventh grade year his parents talked with the high school cross country coach. They found out that he would be able to join the cross country team in eighth grade. The cross country coach was pleased to have Ben on the team.
With cross country, a kid that could barley walk found a way to run. Ben found that running made him happy. It gave him a place that he could belong. Although he was slower than most of the other kids, he found a way to persevere. His cerebral palsy made it extremely difficult to run on uneven ground. Often times he would fall multiple times during a race, but he did not let that stop him. Ben strived to beat his previous times when he ran races. As he pushed through the difficulties that he faced he inspired many people along the way.
After graduation, his story was presented the 2004 Sports Emmy Award for outstanding long feature. The persistence that he acquired during his time in cross country led him to medical school at the University of South Carolina. With the help of his friends, family, coaches and teammates Ben Comen was able to overcome a big obstacle in his life. A boy who was not suppose to walk turned out to be an unbelievable athlete. He has exemplified resilience through athletics, academics and his struggle through life while giving his teammates somebody to look up to in their lives.
I got my information from https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hZtNbUhr6qQ and http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1419477.html.