When I was in 9th grade, my parents separated. This was not only a challenge in their lives; it was a challenge in mine. The separation was only a few months but it changed me. Although it wasn’t a good experience, I am thankful that it happened. I was raised by both parents. They took care of me and my older sister and we always lived together as a family. They were both there supporting my sister and me. Over time, my sister and I noticed the increase in arguments between our parents. We never intervened and always assumed that everything would get better on its own. When my mother told us the news of my parents separating and planning to get divorced, I was devastated. I didn’t understand how this could be happening. I always thought they were a happy couple just going through struggling times. My dad left the house and my lifestyle had to be adjusted. I was now living with only my mother and my sister. This was the first time I had been in a one-parent household. While my father wasn’t the most influential parent when he was in the house, he was still another male in the household. Who would I talk with now about those issues that I would rather discuss with a man? He was around but he was gone at the same time. I had to adjust to how things in the house were done. Now there were more chores for me to complete so that there was less pressure on my mother. Eventually, my parents decided not to get the divorce both of my parents were now parents back in the house again. The whole experience was something new to me but I was able to learn valuable life lessons. My parents were going through a very rough time in their marriage. In the end, they decided to fight whatever plague was clouding their marriage and fix whatever problems they were having. They persevered through the challenges. This taught me to never give up on something that’s very important. Always believe that you can get through it and, no matter how many setbacks you encounter, always move forward. I will continue to make sure that when I set a goal, I complete that goal. I can practice never giving up and building strength and perseverance. I will be able to overcome it to achieve my goals no matter what. I was able to get through this challenge in my own way, especially relying on my faith, and become a stronger person. Without this happening, I would be a completely different person. This challenge in my life taught me how to never give up and how to persevere through hard times and tough situations. When you get through challenges and hard times, things are better and you feel even more accomplished. Remember that feeling - how good it felt - and you will always be strong, persevere, and never give up.