Because of CLP’s “New Generation, New Power” award program, we listened to a group of high school students who have made themselves stronger in adversity and told us their stories about how to overcome life adaptation, personal growth, family environment, etc. Everyone encounters setbacks, but what makes them unique is their perseverance to make progress in the midst of hardship and their courage to accept their past. We hope that the scholarship can help them realize their dreams, and that their experiences can inspire all young people and adults in difficult situations.
I really admire the young people who mustered up the courage to go up to the podium to tell all the guests, principals, teachers and classmates their stories of self-improvement despite adversity, and thank those who supported them one by one. Some of them face disabilities and illnesses, some were born in broken families, and some were influenced by harmful friends. It is not easy to admit and overcome their past. I wrote a short speech in the venue journal, hoping that their positive attitude towards life can encourage people around them to continue to love life:
//"Adversity is a journey of growth"
Everyone will encounter adversity, but everyone's mentality to deal with adversity is very different. This group of middle school students have suffered through low ebbs and then rebuilt their lives from the bottom. Listening to their stories is both sad and inspiring. It is a pity that society has the responsibility to protect the next generation, and the difficulties life throws at them are too many. What is encouraging is that they did not retreat when faced with difficulties or run away from fear. Instead, they used the spirit of not giving up easily and having the courage to accept themselves to strive for self-reliance and overcome setbacks.
Going through difficulties is a personal training. You may be accompanied by family, friends, teachers, and social workers, but the step out of the trough must ultimately be taken by yourself. As for the difficulty of taking this step, even if the actual objective factors are similar, the psychological pressure that everyone needs to overcome cannot be compared. Former British Prime Minister Disraeli said it well: "The best education is adversity." This personal journey can enrich the meaning of life, allowing people to strengthen their will and beliefs, find goals and ideals, and cherish themselves and others.
This is not to say that good times are useless. Most of us hope to live a life of material abundance and spiritual abundance. However, if you indulge in pleasure and get carried away, you will only lose your direction and turn good times into bad times. The epidemic in recent years has caused society to talk more about "resilience", which is a driving force that helps us adapt, recover and grow from crises and challenges. The stories of today’s group of young people are certainly an inspiration to those who have experienced this, and are also an inspiration to adults. As long as you maintain a positive attitude, adversity can eventually turn into good times. No matter whether the future is sweet or bitter, it will not hinder the realization of your dreams. //
