Be your own cheerleader

You will have times in your life when you’ll need an extra push to get through your day and maybe even to get yourself out of bed. Remember to coach yourself. Positive self-talk can go a long way. You’ve gotta tell yourself, “I can do this. I can get through this!” Did you know that usually the hardest things we go through in life teach us the most? That is, if we’re willing to learn from them. When I first came to the U.S., I was a lost, nine year old immigrant girl who didn’t speak English, but I always remained hopeful. I knew I was in a country with so much opportunity and where I’d find a better future. When I was called “mojada” or “wetback” by the kids at Lincoln Elementary and when my father belittled me, I told myself that one day I would learn English and would become somebody that would be respected. That little voice inside my head kept me focused on my dream and deep passion to succeed. Please remember, that giving up even when you're the most tired, the most frustrated, or the most angry is not an option. I encourage you to stay focused on your goals and take the advice of Sir Winston Churchill, the leader of England during World War II who said, “Continuous effort- not strength or intelligence --is the key to unlocking our potential.”