By Blair Gleeson
Maplewood High School
September 08, 2006 04:36 pm
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A famous runner once said “tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” Many of you who are graduating tonight are athletes. All of you, especially those who have had experiences running, will be able to relate to the story I am about to tell, that is just one example that demonstrates how tough times are no match for perseverance.
A few weeks ago I ran for the first time all spring. Earlier that day, during school, I noticed that it was beautiful and sunny outside and that it would be the perfect opportunity to just collect my thoughts and take advantage of the nice weather. By the time school was out, it was hot and sticky and I was tired from my long day at school. Deciding to stick with my original plan, I laced up my sneakers and was on my way. Almost immediately after I started, I was miserable. I was tired, hot, and thirsty. More than anything, I just wanted to turn around and go home. But, I told myself that I would feel better as I went along and I would feel more accomplished if I finished what I originally set out to do. Although I was still tired, hot, and thirsty when I finished, I did feel accomplished and a little proud of myself for not giving up and going home early.
The next day after school when I decided to run again, not only was I tired, hot, and thirsty, but I was also sore and in need of some motivation. Despite all this, I ran anyway…and was even more miserable than the day before. Gradually, however, my runs became less painful and more enjoyable. That is the thing about running, no matter how difficult it may seem in the beginning, with some hard work and dedication, it gets easier. That doesn’t mean that there are no obstacles; the hills, rough terrain, heat, cold, rain, and injuries will always be present. Periods of pain and disappointment will still surface. The important thing is to listen to yourself, make the necessary adjustments, and keep going. Eventually, integrity and perseverance will reward you with a sturdy foundation that will get you up any hill.
Just as running builds physical strength that prepares you for a race, our experiences thus far are prepping us for our futures. Throughout our lives, we have been slowly building our own foundations. Interacting with parents, teachers, and fellow students, managing time between family, school, and extra-curricular activities, taking on responsibilities, and dealing with peer pressure have taught us many of the necessary skills to make it through the rest of our lives.
Similar to the emotions felt before a race, many of us are feeling both excited and frightened as we move on to the next stage in our lives. We are an ambitious class and have big plans for after high school. The majority of us have decided to attend college, several have decided serve our country, while others will be starting a career. No matter the path chosen, we will all be entering a new world full of new people, experiences, responsibilities, and pressures. Inevitably, we will be faced with hardship. We can not control the obstacles that may surface in our lives. We can not control the hill up ahead or the rain clouds that form above us. We can however control how we meet these challenges.
At some points, it may seem like the easiest and best option to just quit and give up. You may want to turn around and go home. Even through times of frustration, doubt, and fear we must stay focused on our goals and push forward. We must learn not only from our mistakes but also from our accomplishments. We must remember that tough times truly don’t last, but tough people do. Over time, perseverance will allow us to build a structure upon our foundation able to withstand even the most difficult of challenges.
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