Overcoming Adversity: My Journey of Resilience and Growth

Everyone encounters adversity in life, and I was no exception. At one point, I found myself in what felt like an inescapable pit, with no hope in sight. My faint glimmer of hope came in the form of a ticket to the United States. But even after immigrating, my situation didn’t improve. Starting over at an age many consider late, I was faced with language and cultural barriers that only added to my challenges.

In response, I made a choice: I embraced a form of “human detox.” I decided to reduce my social interactions and focus solely on the challenges in front of me, tackling each one with single-minded determination. I focused entirely on myself and my personal growth. Though loneliness began to creep in, the sense of accomplishment from immersing myself in one task at a time was even greater.

I restarted my career as a nurse and gradually adapted to the life, culture, and language of my new home. As I became more comfortable, I could once again enjoy leisure activities like meeting new people, playing golf, and living more freely. However, I made a different choice: I chose hardship. I decided to return to school, leaving behind my previous career to pursue a new field of study.

At the age of forty, I became an international student. Yet again, I was faced with overwhelming adversity. The language barrier was daunting, and adjusting to new teaching methods proved difficult. As my struggles with language grew, my self-esteem plummeted, and I found myself battling severe depression. The feeling of being an outsider—watching native speakers from behind an invisible glass wall—was one of the most distressing experiences of my life.

I had no choice but to set small, achievable goals. My first goal was simple: get an A in every class. I committed to communicating regularly with my instructors, preparing thoroughly, and attending office hours weekly to build close relationships with my professors. Their support and encouragement helped me grow attached to the local culture and community. Over four years, I completed all my courses with A’s—from English 101 to mathematics, physics, and organic chemistry. I laid a foundation that allowed me to go anywhere I wanted academically.

Having struggled with chemistry, physics, and math in high school, earning A’s in these subjects two decades later, in a foreign country, ignited a deep passion for learning. I decided to pursue a new dream: to become a neuroscientist.

Before applying to a neuroscience PhD program, I decided to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With 20 years of experience in psychiatric nursing and a newfound scientific education, I wanted to use my knowledge to help others through their own challenges. This renewed focus on my studies had an unexpected positive impact on my daughters. Without pushing or pressuring them, my dedication inspired them to pursue their own goals. Both were accepted into PhD programs in organic chemistry and physics at top-tier universities, with full scholarships.

This journey has taught me that the American Dream is still very much alive. With the right mindset and the willingness to endure hardship, anyone can change their circumstances.

If you find yourself facing adversity, my suggestion is to simplify your life. Consider a “social detox”—surround yourself only with those who uplift you, not those who drain your energy. Set one clear, manageable goal and focus on it completely. Once you achieve that, set a few more goals. Embrace the challenges that come your way, and savor the rewards that follow. Act with kindness, strive to positively impact others, and believe in your ability to overcome adversity with patience and perseverance.