Your Resilience is a Flex!

Resilience (noun):

the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.

ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.

Take a second. Think back to the beginning of the school year. Do you remember all of the expectations that you had? Now think about where you are right now. Meditate on what this year has brought you. Okay now look in the mirror, take a deep breath and repeat this phrase “I DID THAT”. You have faced a global pandemic and taken on social justice issues all while balancing your education from home! This is a level of perseverance that hasn’t been seen from America’s youth since the great depression (debatable). The number of personal, mental, and emotional sudden changes you’ve endured has equipped you with a skill set that many struggle to obtain, especially at your age. You can now walk into any situation knowing that you have the ability to adapt, empathize and bounce back!

As Floridians we are all used to preparing for a category 5 hurricane. School may be canceled for the week, essential items at Publix/Walmart are sold out, and many businesses have closed so that their employees can shelter at home. This year’s challenges were much more severe but could also be described as familiar. You may have been used to experiencing everyday challenges like arguments with friends, disappointing test results or sporting losses, but some of you are used to facing more serious challenges like a family breakdown, family illness or death, or bullying. None of that could have prepared you for this. What pushed you through those tough times and hurricanes? It was your empathy, respect for others, kindness, fairness, honesty and cooperation. We are proud of you!

Unfortunately we are still battling through our current hurricane and that can be very stressful, but continue to stay focused, ask for help when you needed it, encourage those around you and be U. So as you graduate and take the next step towards your end goal, remember that you have exactly what it takes to persevere and recover from anything!

 

Check out the following songs and create your own “I DID THAT” Resiliency playlist:

  • "Don't Stop Believing"—Journey

  • "Eye of the Tiger"—Survivor

  • "Go the Distance"—Michael Bolton, from Disney

  • Confidence Boost - Spotify Playlist

  • "I'll Make a Man Out of You"—Roger Bart, from Disney

  • "The Show Must Go On"—Queen

  • "Move Along"—All American Rejects

  • “Bounce Back” - Big Sean

  • "Defying Gravity"—Wicked Musical

  •  "Firework"—Katy Perry

  • "Rise Up"—Andra Day

  • "Fighter"—Christina Aguilera

  • "Survivor"—Destiny's Child

  • "Hall of Fame"—The Script

  • "Titanium"—David Guetta

  • "The Climb"—Miley Cyrus

  • "It's My Life"—Bon Jovi

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