Meeting Marta, who she is as a person, and hanging out with her

"Meeting Marta, who she is as a person, and hanging out with her, seeing her watch my fight, screaming and cheering for me, being proud of me the same way I am proud of her, that's priceless. It was really cool. I never imagined that." In these words, Jessica Andrade speaks to the deep, transformative power of connection, mutual respect, and the shared experience of two individuals recognizing and celebrating each other’s strengths and accomplishments. The emotion in Andrade’s statement is not just about the external victory of a fight, but the internal fulfillment of having someone truly support you—someone who sees you, not as a competitor, but as a fellow human, worthy of admiration and pride. To have a person in your life who cheers for you with the same fervor you cheer for them, who supports you through the struggles and challenges, is a treasure beyond measure.

In the ancient world, the relationship between mentor and student, between friend and ally, was deeply valued. Aristotle wrote of the power of friendship, recognizing that true friendship is not simply a matter of mutual benefit, but of support, loyalty, and shared respect. The ancient Greeks understood that human connection was fundamental not only to individual fulfillment, but to societal harmony. In the Lysistrata, Aristophanes demonstrates how personal bonds can extend into larger social movements, showing that the strength of individuals supporting one another can bring about change and progress. The bond between Jessica Andrade and Marta echoes this ancient wisdom: it is not just the personal success of each woman that matters, but the deep and mutual support they share, which amplifies both their achievements and their sense of purpose.

Consider the bond between Socrates and his disciples—especially Plato—which was rooted in a shared respect for wisdom, learning, and mutual growth. Socrates never viewed his relationship with Plato as one of mere teacher and student, but as one of equal exchange of ideas. Their conversations were not about one imparting knowledge to the other, but about shared discovery. In this light, Socrates’ pride in Plato’s development as a philosopher mirrors Andrade’s pride in Marta’s achievements, both women taking pleasure in the growth and success of the other. Through this reciprocal admiration, both come to see their own strengths reflected in the other, creating a bond that transcends mere competition.

This connection—the bond of admiration and mutual support—reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who both uplift and challenge us. Just as Jessica Andrade feels the pride of Marta’s support during her fight, we too must recognize that true victory in life is not just about the trophies we earn or the titles we hold, but about the relationships we foster. When we have those who stand by us, cheering us on and celebrating our growth, we become stronger, more capable of facing the battles life throws at us, and more ready to meet the challenges ahead.

Consider the ancient figure of Alexander the Great, whose ambition to conquer the world was not driven by a need for personal glory alone, but by the support of those who believed in him. His relationships with his soldiers were based on loyalty, and it was this bond that allowed him to achieve feats no one thought possible. He led not only with strength, but with the belief that his success was bound to the strength of his followers. Like Andrade’s recognition of Marta’s support, Alexander’s victories were shared by those who believed in him, and he, in turn, believed in them. This mutual support between leader and follower is a foundational element in any great endeavor, and one that ensures both growth and enduring legacy.

The lesson from Jessica Andrade’s words is this: the true value in life does not come from isolated success, but from the connections we forge and the support we offer each other. When we see those around us not as rivals but as fellow travelers on the path of life, we create a community of growth where each person’s success is a victory for all. This mutual admiration strengthens not only our own resolve but the resolve of those around us, creating a powerful network of love, loyalty, and support.

In our own lives, we must strive to nurture these meaningful connections, recognizing that true success is a shared experience. Let us surround ourselves with those who celebrate our victories, just as we do theirs, and let us be proud of the growth we witness in others. By offering support and cheering for those we care about, we create a world where victory is not measured in individual accomplishments alone, but in the shared celebration of each other's potential. Let us embrace relationships not as mere opportunities for gain, but as the foundation of the legacy we wish to leave behind.