Resilience is a value that society should practice more.

But what does it truly mean? Is it just the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events? To me, resilience is not only an ability, it is a mentality and a value that everyone should practice and something that must be strengthened. You may wonder how I can talk with so much certainty about it. Well, the reason for this is that, despite my young age, I have experienced and lived the effects of resilience.

During the pandemic years, several people could not see their relatives, others could not go back to their city or country, and most of us sadly lost a loved one. It was in these moments of adversity that resilience helped us. People who could not return to their homes and be with their families made video calls and sent messages and videos to communicate. Resilience gave them the strength to find different ways to connect and interact with their loved ones.

Education was also affected from the start of the pandemic, but teachers and parents didn’t sit with their arms crossed. They found different ways for us students to learn not only the subjects or knowledge from the school but also the mentality of resilience.

The loss of a loved one is something that many people experienced during the pandemic, and unfortunately I wasn't the exception. At the end of 2020, I received a call, and I assure you it was the worst of all. It was my aunt telling me that my great-grandfather had passed away. This left me in shock: I couldn't believe that someone so important to me was no longer in this world. His departure was very hard for me, to the point of almost going into a depression. My family never left me alone, and thanks to their support I was able to maintain a good state of mind. A year after he left, I started singing. This reminded me of how happy my great-grandfather was when he listened to the songs of his time on a small radio that his son had given him.

Today, I still remember my great-grandfather, but it doesn't hurt as much anymore, because resilience helped me overcome his departure and realize that, wherever I go, his sweet smile will always accompany me.