The distance between a problem and its solution often depends on our

ability to try. There are no standardized methods to solve life’s problems, but the

moment we choose to try persistently, we clinch our deal with success.

When John Roebling, Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, wanted to

build the bridge, experts world over asked him to forget the idea because they

considered it impossible. But both Roebling and his son, Washington, just

wouldn’t give in.

The project started well. But in a series of tragic accidents, Roebling

passed away and his son was incapacitated. Washington was not able to walk,

talk or even move. All he could do was to move one of his fingers.

‘Gradually, using that finger, he developed a code of communication with

his wife. He touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating his intention to

call the engineers again. He used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the

engineers what to do. For 13 years, he tapped out his instructions with his one

finger, directing operations at the site, until the bridge was finally built up.

Washington’s disabilities did not deter him from following his dream.

The reason why the bridge stands today is that in the face of adversity, he did not

give up trying. His life teaches us that when we face a problem, or are not able to

realize our dreams or achieve what we want, we don’t always have to do anything

extraordinary…we just have to try harder ! The three quotations will make our

understanding even clearer.

  1. i) “Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently.”—Shiv

Kera

  1. ii) “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start

from now and make a brand new ending.”

iii) “DEDICATION is the master key to any door you take to reach

SUCCESS.”

Student: Vishal Sharma

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