Grit is defined by Merriam-Webster as “firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.” Recently, we spoke with our client, Samantha* and realized that she is a very “gritty” person.
Samantha graduated with her associate’s degree in paralegal studies in the spring of 2017. Since then, she has been working very hard to find a job in that field. She received some assistance, guidance, and positive words from our Family Services staff along the way. Staff members were impressed with how she always followed through with their suggestions and ideas. She was determined to find a job! She networked with someone from the Louisville Bar Association, spoke with the paralegals she met at The Patch’s recent Legal Aid Will Clinic, and attended several interviews. This month, she got a new job working in the court system. We rejoiced with her and praised her for being tenacious.
Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania has stated that “a gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his or her advantage is stamina.” We believe that Samantha, like many of our other clients, is an incredibly gritty person and that one of her strongest skills is stamina and determination. The Patch’s assistance and encouragement helped to strengthen her during the difficult days of her job search and together, we achieved success.
Thank you for supporting Samantha in her journey toward self-reliance. When you support The Patch’s programs, you are helping children and families maximize their potential!
*Name changed to protect the privacy of those we serve.