Ohio State University Awards Record Summer Degrees

Adversity, while often seen as a negative experience, can prepare individuals for life's challenges and foster growth, as noted by Charles Hugh Smith in his exploration of the benefits of hardship. He emphasizes that both external and self-imposed adversities shape resilience and adaptability, citing Marcus Aurelius on the power of the mind. Similarly, Brianna Wiest's book, 'The Mountain Is You', encourages embracing personal struggles as opportunities for transformation, highlighting the importance of internal happiness and the necessity of sacrifice for change. At a recent Ohio State University commencement, President Walter Carter Jr. and Professor Angus Fletcher echoed these sentiments, urging graduates to value community service and embrace their antifragility, the ability to gain strength through challenges. Patti Bertolino's journey through a corporate career and her pursuit of an online master’s degree at Purdue Global exemplify the idea that overcoming adversity can lead to fulfilling one's passion for engaging learning. These narratives collectively illustrate that adversity is not merely an obstacle but a catalyst for personal and professional development.