Persistence

I am writing this blog while sitting in the back corner of one of the rooms at EPC Ombreira watching the Fresh Dance Hip Hop group. I just saw one teenage boy practically hyper-extend his elbow when spinning in circles on it and then hop back up to try again. Not ten seconds later another young man who was hopping around doing a one handed hand-stand fell on his head, rolled over and shook it off. They might be beginners and they might not have all the equipment they need to protect themselves, but they sure are persistent!

Last week I had a conversation with a student who has been studying for the vestibular exam for over 5 years! 5 YEARS!!!! He has tried taking the test for different majors and each time he has come close but not close enough to enter UFC (Universidad Federal do Ceará- the best and completely paid for university in the state). He might not yet have experienced the success he is looking for but he is persistent! And, one day he will pass the entrance exam.

I spent an hour this morning walking through the vegetable garden with the lead gardener going over the names of each vegetable and fruit in both Portuguese and English. After 30 minutes of trying to remember the names in English he had the brilliant idea to get a pen and paper and write everything down. We then spent the next 20 minutes learning the words again. He was persistent!

Right now many within the PRECE movement are involved in educating their community about the upcoming elections, the candidates and their positions. They made a pledge over 15 years ago that they would not stop until public education in Ceará was changed for the better, and this requires support from the government and elected officials. Many steps have been taken in that direction and things are improving. But, the work is not done and therefore no one is slowing down. They are persistent!

What is it about some people that will not allow them to give up? I remember when I was a child my gymnastics coaches always telling me “but, Kacy, you have so much potential!” at the exact moment I wanted to give up and quit. If it weren’t for them and others I would never have been as good as I was. But, most of that drive didn’t come within- it came from rising to the expectations of others. So, what is it about some people that pushes them to keep striving even when everything and everyone around them says take taking a nap in a hammock would be so much easier and more enjoyable?