Donald Harrison-Perseverance

Perseverance means to continue steadfastly, especially in something that is difficult or tedious. It requires regular practice to develop the quality of perseverance. Wrestling has helped me stand out on and off the wrestling mat, providing me with the support necessary for positive outcomes in my life.  I feel that this support has helped me transform from a boy to a man so that I can break through any wall that stands before me. Just as a child learns how stand up and tries to walk, they often fall down again and again. Through instinct, he gets up and again tries to step forward, although again he falls down. Ultimately, after refusing to give up, he succeeds in walking. It was not always easy for me to embody perseverance in my life until I wanted to succeed as bad as I wanted to breathe. I knew in high school that I was an average wrestler, but I was willing to learn as much as possible so that I could become the best student-athlete possible.  My goal was to earn more A’s in school and earn more mat time through hard work. A mentor of mine, Coach Ed Schneider, always told me “little things are big things;” which I believe not only applies in wrestling but in life. Breaking these barriers was an everyday process for me during wrestling and in the class room.  I wanted to excel academically and to develop a strong work ethic.  My journey continues and I try to keep this mentality now that I am in college.  Beat the Streets helped me grow and develop into a student athlete with consistency, structure, and resources necessary to build on my legacy; making me a better man for tomorrow.