Ariana Forbes’ childhood was anything but enjoyable. She experienced abuse at home and even ran away at one point. However, those challenges never stopped her from achieving her dreams, she said.
“No matter what you’re going through, no matter what people may say, you cannot give up: not now, not ever,” Ms. Forbes said during her keynote speech.
As a child, school served as a safe place for her, she told the student body: Despite all her problems at home, she persevered with her dream of wanting to help others.
“Embrace your individuality, your quirkiness, your weirdness, the things that make you stand out, because it is in your individuality that you discover your true self,” the fitness instructor said. “There will be people who just won’t understand, … but don’t you give up.”
See the Feb. 12, 2015 edition for full coverage.
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