I'm just so honored that I never gave up and have kept pushing

In the pursuit of greatness, there is one quality that stands above all others—the ability to persevere. The words of MyKayla Skinner, “I'm just so honored that I never gave up and have kept pushing for my dreams to get here,” carry the weight of a journey that few understand, but many can learn from. Honor is born not from instant success, but from the unwavering commitment to continue moving forward in the face of adversity. Skinner’s words reflect the power of determination and the profound satisfaction that comes with having followed one’s path, despite the many obstacles that arise along the way.

In the ancient world, the heroes who shaped the myths we still tell today were not those who found immediate success, but those who endured long trials and suffered countless setbacks. Take, for example, the tale of Heracles, who was tasked with completing the Twelve Labors—each seemingly impossible, each requiring feats of strength, wisdom, and perseverance. Heracles did not achieve greatness because he succeeded immediately, but because he refused to surrender. Each labor was a test of will, and it is in the struggle that he found his true strength. Skinner, too, mirrors this ancient idea: greatness does not come from avoiding failure, but from continuing to push forward in the face of it.

There is a timeless lesson in the journey of Thomas Edison, the great inventor, who, after countless failed attempts to create the light bulb, declared, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison’s relentless pursuit of his dream is echoed in Skinner’s words. Like Edison, she was not deterred by her early setbacks but found honor in the struggle itself. Every failure was a stepping stone toward her goal, each one strengthening her resolve. The dreams we hold are often shrouded in difficulty, and it is only through persistence that they become a reality. Just as Edison’s light illuminated the world, so too does Skinner’s story shine as a beacon for those who may doubt the power of perseverance.

The story of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, serves as another example of unwavering commitment. Rowling’s manuscript for the first book was rejected by multiple publishers, and yet she did not abandon her dream of sharing her magical world with the world. Her success did not arrive easily, but it came through her steadfast belief in her story, in herself, and in the importance of continuing the journey despite the hardships. The struggles she faced only added depth to her success, and it is this same determination that Skinner celebrates. Dreams, while precious, often require the kind of relentless effort that transcends mere talent.

The quote from Skinner also speaks to the honor that comes from achieving something not because it was easy, but because it was earned. In the ancient texts, the idea of honor was deeply tied to the pursuit of a noble goal. Achilles, the great Greek hero, fought for the glory of his people and the fulfillment of his fate, facing death and agony along the way. His honor was not won by evading pain, but by embracing the challenges that came with his journey. Similarly, Skinner's honor does not come from a simple victory, but from the persistence she displayed throughout her trials, the courage to continue even when the odds were against her.

And so, the lesson we learn from Skinner’s words is a powerful one. Dreams, no matter how grand or humble, require persistence. The road to achievement is rarely smooth or direct, and failure is often the best teacher we have. The honor lies not in avoiding setbacks, but in continuing to push forward, even when the path seems impossible. As ancient warriors learned, and as Skinner's story shows, perseverance is the key to transcending one’s limitations and becoming something greater than oneself. Greatness does not come from ease—it comes from the heart that refuses to give up, the spirit that stands tall in the face of adversity.

In your own life, whether you are chasing a distant dream or facing an insurmountable obstacle, remember Skinner’s words. It is the commitment to never give up—to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity—that will bring you the honor of having earned your dreams. Like Edison, like Rowling, like Heracles, and like Skinner, true success lies not in avoiding failure, but in embracing the journey, with all its challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. For it is in the struggle that the soul is forged, and it is in the perseverance that the dream becomes reality.