Personal Narrative: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Throughout this difficult time, I sought refuge in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Inspired by Emerson, the following summer I was determined to regain the endurance, speed, and motivation to re-enter competitive sports. I trained the summer proceeding the indoor track season. I entered the season feeling more positive, determined, and stronger than before. Throughout this healing process, I learned to deal with the situation in a way that did not make others sad nor pity me. Running also helped me to be at peace with what happened, and gradually I accepted the reality of my friend’s death. This caused me to rebuild my faith, beliefs and values that