“My efforts will eventually bear fruit so long as I do not give in to doubt.”

“It was not so much about the ‘how’; it was more about taking the first step.”

“The illness became my strict teacher, awakening my sense of purpose in life.”

“Everything in life is interconnected—nothing is wasted.”

“I started to believe that I could bring positive change to those around me.”

“I began to welcome [my problems] for giving me the opportunity to grow as a person.”

“I decided that if I wanted to see a change, I would have to make a change.”

“Even amidst the worst circumstances we can change poison into medicine.”

“Through singing songs I loved, I developed a forward-looking outlook on life again.”

“When problems come up . . . I can start to see them as opportunities for me to change.”

“I smiled genuinely for the first time. I was so grateful to be alive.”

“Despite our different backgrounds and religions, we could still create real heart-to-heart connections.”