Wise words for youth — How do you overcome adversity?

“Welcome back to school.
Be curious.
Question everything.
Serve your community.”
— Kenyon S. Chan
Chancellor, UW-Tacoma

“It’s how we react to the adversity that matters. I encourage all students to make a goal and plan to reach that goal. When adversity strikes, step back and figure out how to remove the roadblock. When you successfully reach your goal, take a moment to celebrate your success. Have an amazing year!”
— Sue Anderson
Vice President & General Manager, Seattle Markets
CenturyLink

“We all face adversity at some point in our lives. Our success lies in how we handle it. Many of us allow challenges to defeat us. What I say to you is this: accept your challenge head-on. If you focus on developing into a stronger and wiser individual, you will succeed not in spite of, but because of the very challenges you face.”
— Dave Rule
President, Bellevue College

“Life is filled with choices. It’s about discovering what your life is meant to be and living that life to its fullest. French writer Marcel Proust said such discovery takes fresh eyes. Education can give you fresh eyes to discover talents and strengths, so you can make a difference. This requires an openness to learn more, to care more, to achieve more for you and your community.”
— Cheryl Roberts
President, Shoreline Community College

“Hopes and goals give us direction. Adversities can and often come before success. They may be mild like red traffic lights, which we overcome with patience. But they can also be our teachers, training us to become stronger. Prepare for them.Study hard, learn how to work with people through volunteering, understand the community, or simply talk to your parents about their life stories. You will help build your future and inspire the people around you.”
— Kwan-Leung Chan, Ph. D.
Waters Academy

“Always do what is right and persevere through those challenges. You represent yourself and your family, so always think about helping others and improving your community. Lastly, have patience and curiosity throughout your life. There are wonderful experiences ahead and be curious about those new adventures. Appreciate your path.”
— Judge Ketu Shah
King County District Court

“Education is the key to success. Develop career and life goals and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and develop new skills that will help you achieve your goals. Always remember that there are many people who want to help you along the way.”
— Paula Boyum
Associate Dean, Northeastern University – Seattle

“The challenges we face in life shape who we are and who we become. My own life experiences, even the bad ones, have contributed to who I am today. Focus on the future. Set goals and keep track of progress. You may not always achieve everything, but you will have taken control and created opportunities that may not have existed. Most important – be a nice person.”
— Kathleen M. O’Toole
Seattle Police Chief

“You must believe in yourself and know that by following the values of integrity, hard work, and respect for your community, you can overcome anything. Always talk to friends, family, and mentors about adversity, so they can help guide you through struggles. American history is filled with inspiring individuals who had odds stacked against them.”
— Congressman Adam Smith
Washington State’s 9th District

“Believe in yourself and imagine yourself in a position of power and authority.  Think about what it takes to get there and then trust that you really do have the capacity to achieve it. You can reach your dreams if you can see yourself (in your mind’s eye) there. Best wishes for a successful school year!”
— Justice Mary Yu
Washington State Supreme Court

“In King County, we’re working to ensure all of our students come to school ready to learn and have the opportunity to succeed. This fall, I will continue my school district listening tour, visiting schools across the county to hear your challenges and successes. Have a great start of the school year, and I look forward to seeing you soon!”
King County Executive Dow Constantine

“People have unlimited potential. Education is a very positive and powerful means of tapping into that potential. Going to school and earning a degree teaches skills, builds confidence, and nurtures creativity — all of which are necessary in facing and overcoming adversities. I encourage everyone to dream big.”
— Dr. Jean Hernandez
President, Edmonds Community College

“At South Seattle College, we tell our students, ‘Start here, go anywhere!’ As you begin or renew your academic pursuits, don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. Pursue your passions, pursue your dreams, and turn them into your reality!”
— Gary Oertli
President, South Seattle College

“Get a goal for the mind. Stay completely focused. Let nothing deter you. When you succeed, give back to others, reflecting the community.”
— Nate Miles
Vice President of Government Relations
Lilly

“Face the adversity, evaluate yourself, assess the situation, and allow yourself to ‘grow’ through it and become bigger and better because of it. Don’t allow adversity to keep you sitting on the sidelines. Pursue your greatness.”
— Tyrell Edwards
UW Bothell (‘13), Fulbright Recipient