2013 Theme

The Patience of Champions: Rising to a Better Self

 

Think Michael Jordan. Think Muhammad Ali. If patience doesn’t come to mind, then you don’t know what it takes to be a champion. With hours of practice each day, through sweat, blood, and tears, champions will persevere to achieve their goal through the years. Life throws them surprises, distractions lace their path, yet they rise above every obstacle to be better than their past. No, patience is not sitting idly by hoping for a brighter future, and it’s definitely not about giving up just to have some fun #YOLO. Patience is in that satisfied feeling, burning inside their chest, that they’re doing all they can, and the rest is up to God.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ -Muhammad Ali

But patience is not just for athletes. Ordinary people around the world have harnessed it to bear unimaginable suffering and accomplish extraordinary feats. When a magnitude 9.0 earthquake-tsunami recently hit Japan, the people used gaman to weather the storm with dignity and compassion, not looting and chaos. Under the cruel oppression of dictators and through the horrors of war, ordinary Muslims around the world have used sabr just to survive. No, patience has never been about being passive or taking short cuts, but prayer and time can be tools to move on. No matter the language, patience has always been about hope and discipline, about a willingness to endure the sacrifice now, knowing that better days will come with principled perseverance. Patience is about the rise of a better self.

Perhaps you’re inspired, or perhaps you’re still wondering how any of these examples are relevant to you as a high school student in North America. Think of the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis, and consider how you’re dealing with them. Think of the goals you want to achieve, and consider how you’re pursuing them. What kind of change do you want in your personal life? What kind of sacrifices are you ready to make? What do you think makes life worth the struggle? How can you make today better than yesterday? Are you ready to choose the path of patience?

We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!