Resilience is the ability to rise above life's stressors. Resilience develops over time, and is the result of support from individuals who love us. Resilient individuals are those who, despite severe hardships in the presence of at risk factors, develop coping skills that enable them to succeed in life. They have a positive attitude toward their environment, hold a strong sense of purpose, and develop a strong internal strength that enables them to see life's obstacles as challenges that can be overcome.

Resiliency is about hope, it is the sense that adversity can be overcome, that there is life beyond the obstacles of today.

Resilience to the stressors faced by young people - such as drug-abusing peers, violence, unsafe sexual behaviour or the influence of a less-than-ideal home environment - comes through supportive relationships.

Resiliency and self-esteem is something that comes from the feedback - real or imagined - that we receive from others. We value ourselves based on how we believe other people value us.

In order to develop resiliency in a young people we must surround them with the support of a loving and caring environment. We must learn their names and greet them personally, and we must develop enduring relationships with them. Through these steps, the young people build strength and improve their ability to defeat the overwhelming odds that they face every day.

For young people to develop positive self-esteem and resiliency they need other people in their lives. Parents are essential, but other adults are also vital. We can make a difference in the lives of the young people in our community.

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