In the heart of the Bronx, New York, Liz Murray was born into a world that seemed stacked against her. Her parents were both drug addicts, and her childhood was marked by hunger, instability, and neglect. By the age of 15, Liz was homeless sleeping on subway trains, park benches, and stairwells. Her mother had died of AIDS, and her father had moved into a shelter.
But Liz refused to let her circumstances define the future.
Liz's Turning Point
Despite the chaos of her life, Liz made a bold decision: she would go back to high school. Carrying her belongings in a plastic bag and often studying in hallways or stairwells, she completed four years of high school in just two. Her determination and academic excellence earned her a scholarship from The New York Times.
"The Nature of Resilience"
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations. It’s not innate but can be developed over time. This trait involves a combination of mental toughness, optimism, and the ability to focus on long-term goals despite short-term setbacks.
Developing resilience does not mean denying the stress or pain that comes with struggle. Instead, it involves acknowledging the difficulty while intentionally choosing to cope with it constructively. Practices such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and seeking support can build resilience gradually.