There have been times where I have over thought about the future and also times I have been too hard on myself. During these times I would tell my mom my worries about living up to my own expectations of myself and she would give me advice. My mom always gives me helpful advice but I remember a certain time where something she said really stuck with me. One day I was taking a walk with my mom to the post office and I remember feeling very anxious. That whole day I was looking at major choices, college options, and career options which resulted in stressing myself out because I didn’t have any idea on what I would choose or what I wanted to do. At that moment, my mom told me the phrase “el que persevera alcanza” which means “the one who perseveres, reaches.” That moment was the first time I heard my mom say that phrase. Hearing this reassured me, and it continues to reassure me to this day.

This phrase is important to me because it encourages me to believe in myself and it also motivates me to work hard. Whenever I have doubts in myself or feel discouraged, this phrase reminds me to continue to try my best and remain determined. I am still undecided on what career path I would like to follow but I do not stress about it anymore. This phrase allows me to take everything one day at a time and because of it I know eventually I will be where I am meant to be. This phrase has also helped in other times of my life such as when I am having bad days. When I think of this phrase, it has helped me to not give up any of my current goals because of any negative thoughts or feelings I may have at times. The phrase allows me to keep in mind that since these feelings and thoughts are temporary, they should not influence permanent decisions.

This phrase also always helps me get through any stressful or difficult times. A specific moment where this phrase supported me during a tough time was when I was going through personal troubles meanwhile having many important exams and projects due. I felt a lot of pressure and stress so I felt like giving up on my projects and exams but then I reminded myself of the phrase my mom told me and it motivated me to see things through. In the end, remaining committed to my work paid off because I ended up increasing my grade to an A in my classes. A similar time this phrase helped me was when I was in school going up against multiple of my classmates for an opportunity to be accepted into a fun summer program, and to be accepted you needed high grades. Over time I felt stressed to maintain my high grades. I had very limited free time due to my school responsibilities so being able to not relax as much compared to the amount of work I was doing, started to affect me negatively. Also, since I did not know how well I was doing compared to the other students, I would constantly think about whether it was worth it to keep up my grades or if I was just wasting my time in case I was not doing as good as my classmates. Then, I thought about my mom’s quote and it influenced me to keep up my hard work. I then realized whether or not I got into the program I knew I would still feel proud of myself and I would still find another opportunity along the way with the high grades I received. Luckily, not giving up paid off because I was accepted at the summer program I wanted. The phrase proved to be helpful once again, and it continues to prove itself over and over again when hard times rise. 

To me this phrase is very uplifting and inspirational. Therefore, I believe anyone can use this phrase or any phrases similar to this one at any tough time in their life. The people who I think can most benefit from knowing this phrase are people who can tend to overthink or become overwhelmed similar to myself. For example, people who tend to doubt themselves or be indecisive, and overly critical of themselves can benefit from knowing this quote. Additionally, this quote can help people who are hesitant to try new experiences or opportunities due to questioning their abilities. This quote is supporting and comforting because you know that with endurance and dedication, you will end up doing what you are meant to do and you will end up being where you are meant to be.

I feel many people can relate to hearing advice, lessons, or phrases and words from the older generations in their community and family. When you’re younger and you hear these phrases and words you don’t really think much of them. However, as you get older you begin to understand what the phrases and words really mean and how impactful they are. I believe everyone carries a part of their community that helps them get through difficult times. As an example, in “Tell ‘em all to come and get me: A year of being ‘alright’” by Hanif Willis Abdurraqib, he mentions the song Alright by Kendrick Lamar as something that gets him through wreckful times. “It meets you at eye level and gives you what you need — an escape from the fight, or a push to get back into the fight. It is the warm nod and knowing smile from a black face emerging in a sea of white (Willis Abdurraqib).” This song gives Willis Abdurraqib the same feeling I get when I am reminded of the phrase “the one who perseveres, reaches.” Different phrases, words, and songs will connect to people and communities differently, but ultimately they all have significant meanings to everyone.