by Camielle W. ’16 (Crossroads ’22)

Why do we attempt to retrieve something so high up on a mountain, knowing all along we wouldn’t survive the trip? What made us believe we’re going to make it to the top of the mountain in the first place?

Determination. This I Believe.

Most of us thrive on it, others take the word for granted. But no matter what point you’re at in life, everyone has felt determined to do something. Whether it’s a young girl determined to win a dare-war or a puppy determined to get that last slice of pizza stationed on the edge of the dining room table, determination drives us to make both foolish and wise decisions.

There are also times when you feel like you can do it all, like a girl bragging about how she can eat 20 pound cakes in 30 seconds. You feel you can do anything in this moment, and you are determined to prove it! But when you cannot do this thing you have promised, the moment quickly fades away.

When someone promises you something that he or she knows he cannot deliver on, what is going through that person’s head? Sometimes someone is eager to fulfill a promise they have made, and other times, people see promises as just a bribe.

There is no string tying someone to a promise and yet, depending on who that person is, she determined to fulfill that promise. I might not understand now and might not ever, but it never hurts to investigate and that I shall do.

Share this: