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Adversity University

There’s a University we should all attend.

It’s easy to get into; but hard to win.

At any age, you can choose to go;

And once you do, you’ll surely grow.

 

The campus is a country wide.

The students stay until they’ve died.

One won’t declare a Major here.

The course du jour is “Thwarting Fear”.

 

School colors worn are black and blue.

No classes are assigned to you.

Sorry. There’s no kegger, man!

And the mascot here is “a train that can”.

 

The curriculum is yours to choose.

Your first few years you’ll pay your dues.

There’s no gown walk with the best of friends.

Done right? This school just never ends.

 

The courses here don’t earn you credit.

No diploma? Correct. Just forget it.

Making the grade aren’t A’s gone straight.

If you pass or fail is your own debate.

 

No scholarships and no full ride.

No football team and no school pride.

No internships. No Senior Year.

Admissions paid in sweat and tears.

 

Professors here don’t know they teach.

Guidance counselors are out of reach.

There’s not a Major that’s worth your air.

But, here, a Mentor you should declare.

 

One final note before you attend…

In your own ear you’ll surely bend.

Scared moments felt during your bout.

Where you will suffer stress and doubt.

 

You’re not the first to walk these halls!

You’re not the first who’ll wish to stall! 

You’re not the first who whined to stop!

You’re not the last who wimped to drop! 

 

Enroll yourself in Adversity.

Earth’s top learning University.

Skills gained here IS life’s degree;

Only at Adversity University.

Ryan Berman
Ryan Berman
Ryan is an author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Courageous. His book, Return on Courage, shows how during these courage deficient times, courage is a competitive advantage for those leaders who choose to unlock it.
Twitter @ryanberman | LinkedIn @ryanberman

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