Word of the Day: Ambition (CRC) | Fueling Your Drive to Succeed

Antonio Brown
Aug 6
2 min read

Welcome back to the The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC) Word of the Day series! Today, we are exploring a powerful word that helps readers, leaders, and changemakers move forward: Ambition.

For young men and boys ages 1–18 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and across Pinellas County, ambition is more than a dream. It is the fuel that turns pages into possibilities and books into blueprints for success.

What Does "Ambition" Mean?

In plain terms, ambition is a strong desire to achieve something through determination and hard work. It is that inner voice that says, "I can grow, I can learn, and I can make a difference."

When a young reader decides to finish a challenging book, learn a new word, or step up as a leader, that is ambition in action.

The Etymology: Where Does the Word Come From?

The word ambition comes from the Latin ambitio, a word connected to "going around" in pursuit of a goal. Over time, it grew to mean a focused desire to achieve, lead, and make an impact.

That growth in meaning feels powerful for CRC because ambition is not just about wanting more. It is about moving with purpose.

Fueling Success: From the Barbershop to the Boardroom

At The Competitive Readers Coalition, we believe brilliant minds deserve vibrant spaces to grow. Through literacy experiences in barbershops and other trusted community spaces, CRC brings books, mentorship, and representation directly to our youth.

When ambition meets opportunity, remarkable things happen:

Elevating Literacy: Young readers stretch into new books, stronger vocabulary, and greater confidence.
Cultivating Character: Ambition builds discipline, patience, and follow-through.
Uplifting the Community: Through FROM THE BARBERSHOP TO THE BOARDROOM, young leaders learn that success matters even more when it lifts others too.

How to Cultivate Ambition Every Day

Here are three simple ways families can build ambition every day:

Set Bold Reading Goals: Choose one meaningful reading goal and celebrate progress.
Surround Yourself with Mentors: Stay connected to people who encourage growth.
Connect Reading to Real Life: Link books to future dreams, leadership, and community impact.

How to Get Started

Register at crcbooks.org/getinvolved
Wait for confirmation
Download Booksy
Book "Competitive Readers Cut"

Join the Movement

Ambition grows in community. Discover how The Competitive Readers Coalition is transforming literacy and enrichment across Pinellas County.

Visit crcbooks.org to learn more, and connect with us on LinkedIn.