Some situations bring joy while others bring hardship. Knowing how to deal with bad situations is an essential component to never giving into submission even when faced with difficult situations.

One must remember to be realistic in trying to achieve one’s goals. Maybe an A+ in the class is not realistic if one struggles in the class but setting a goal of putting forth one’s best efforts is one that can be accomplished.

Spanish teacher Sean Rist said, “ Students  are so concerned with grades when they shouldn’t be. Teachers realize the amount of effort that is put into the class whether grades reflect it or not, which is more important than a letter grade. Do not be discouraged with a B+ instead of an A+.”

Successfully achieving one’s goal also consists of progression in small increments. A difficult goal or aspiration may not  always be a quick and easy process. Participation in the Olympics is not a goal that can be accomplished overnight. It takes years and years of training.

Junior and ILH bowling champ, Caitlin Cunningham, said, “ Each year I try to advance my skills in bowling and top my scores from the last year. I practice a lot in order to accomplish this. It is difficult to always strive to do better because sometimes I plateau and I get stuck in one place. I want to give up, but I always remember that practice makes perfect and eventually I will succeed.”

An essential factor in following through and achieving one’s goal is to maintain an attitude that everything and anything is possible with persistence and hard work. One should not give up on a goal before it starts or half way through just because of possible obstacles.

Freshman Ji-Won Ha said, “I have always been a firm believer that if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish anything I wish. I have applied this to my life and the mind set has proven to be true in many of the things I attempt to do.”