Determination and Perseverance

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.pupil. Of course, many people go through trials and
Only through experience of trial and suffering can thesuffering and just give up in despair and never
soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambitionsachieve anything. They may just become a burden
inspired, and success achieved." - Helen Kellerto their friends and family. so, it is the response we
When I think of people I admire, and desire to bemake to the trials and suffering that makes the
like, they are people who have not had an easy life.difference.
They have experienced a great deal of trial andWhen Helen Keller realized she could learn to read,
suffering. Helen Keller is a prime example of this. Herwrite and speak, she was determined to do so, no
parents started off catering to her every whim. Howmatter how hard she had to work.
they must have pitied her, being deaf, blind andHer story of how she and her teacher persevered
unable to speak. But soon they realized she must beand all tht Helen achieved has been and is for all time
trained and disciplined or she would destroy herselfan inspiration to everyone. If someone with her
and their family. So, they sought a teacher and foundchallenges can achieve greatness, then anyone can.
Annie Sullivan.Anyone, that is, willing to work long and hard and not
Both Annie and Helen went through many trials andgive up no matter how difficult the obstacles may
much suffering in order to reach the goal of teachingseem.
Helen to read, write, and, eventually, to speak. ButI love this quote and the story of Helen Keller
Helen went on to become a great woman ofbecause it shows how trials and suffering are like
achievement and Character, admired by all who knewstepping stones to greatness. They are absolutely
her. It was the trials and suffering that produced thenecessary and are like exercise for the soul.
strength of character in both the teacher and the