Never Give Up

Today, I watched a Ted Talk given by Diana Nyad, the first person ever to succeed in swimming from Cuba to Florida. Not only was this a very challenging feat due to the incredible distance, venomous jellyfish, and dangerous sharks, but Diana also managed to achieve this goal at the age of 64! I found it fascinating to see that she persevered through years of training and attempts, never letting obstacles discourage her. Furthermore, she explained how beyond focusing on the destination or goal, it is crucial to cherish the journey that leads to this goal. Every time she tried swimming from Cuba to Florida and did not succeed, rather than viewing it as a failure, she saw the experience as an opportunity to grow, as she learned from her mistakes. Through years and years of effort, she never once gave up her dream. Even when doctors, scientists, and her friends told her that she would never be able to cross the body of water at the age of 64, she continued believing in herself.

Another really interesting point that I took away from her video is that she didn’t achieve this goal on her own, but worked with a whole team of people who supported her throughout her journey. This gave me a new perspective about goals because I had always considered them as something personal. However, this taught me that working together with others to accomplish your dreams is much more effective.

One dream that I have had for years is using my passion for singing to make a difference in my community. Three years ago, I achieved this goal by founding Girls Coalition for Change, a group that brings together high school girls who strive to use their musical talents to create positive change both on a local and global scale. I have helped organize numerous concerts where we have raised money and awareness for organizations such as the Malala Fund which provides girls in developing countries with an education, Stand Up for Kids which supports homeless youth in the bay area by giving them access to basic necessities, and Access Books Bay Area which refurbishes libraries at underprivileged schools. At times, I doubted my ability to achieve this dream because I was scared that our events would not be successful. However, through years of effort, I have succeeded in raising thousands of dollars for charities that support those in need by singing at benefit concerts.

Works Cited

“Diana Nyad.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 28 Jan. 2016, http://www.biography.com/people/diana-nyad-21329683.

“Diana Nyad, In Her 60s, Keeps Making Swimming History.” Diana Nyad, In Her 60s, Keeps Making Swimming History | Here & Now, http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/10/22/diana-nyad-find-a-way.

“Image about Dream in Iphone Wallpaper by _Magi.” We Heart It, 9 Jan. 2018, weheartit.com/entry/139884826.

Nyad, Diana. “Extreme Swimming with the World’s Most Dangerous Jellyfish.” TED: Ideas Worth Spreading, http://www.ted.com/talks/diana_nyad_extreme_swimming_with_the_world_s_most_dangerous_jellyfish.