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Word of the Day: Perseverance (CRC) | Keep Going, Grow Stronger

Antonio Brown
Sep 2
2 min read

Today’s Word: Perseverance

Perseverance(noun) means continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. It is the choice to keep working, learning, and trying: even when progress feels slow.

In everyday language: Perseverance means you keep going and grow stronger.

Where Does “Perseverance” Come From?

According to Merriam-Webster, perseverance comes through Middle English and Anglo-French from the Latin perseverantia, meaning steadfastness or persistence. It is related to the Latin verb perseverare, meaning “to persist” or “to continue steadfastly.”

That history fits the word perfectly. Perseverance is not about never facing challenges. It is about continuing with purpose when challenges appear.

Professor Antonio in a pastel green polo reading with a Black boy while a supportive Black barber encourages them in a welcoming barbershop

Why Perseverance Matters

Perseverance supports success by helping young people turn setbacks into learning, keep their goals in sight, and encourage others in their community.

A young reader may struggle with a new word, a difficult paragraph, or an assignment that does not make sense right away. Perseverance says, “Try again. Ask for help. Take it one step at a time.”

That mindset can grow confidence at home, in school, in trusted community spaces, and eventually in the professional world.

For families in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and across Florida, perseverance is something young men and boys can practice every day. It may look like reading one more page, revising one more sentence, or returning to a challenge with a fresh plan.

Try It Today: The One-More-Step Challenge

Choose one task that feels difficult but important.

Then:

  1. Work on it for five focused minutes.

  2. If you get stuck, ask a trusted adult, mentor, teacher, barber, or family member for help.

  3. Take one more step before you stop.

  4. Say aloud: “I can keep going.”

Parents and caregivers can join in by sharing a time when they persevered through a challenge. A short conversation can help children understand that strength is built through practice: not perfection.

Professor Antonio helping a Black teenage boy revise his writing and turn early attempts into a stronger page

Perseverance in CRC’s Literacy Work

At The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC), literacy is connected to identity, confidence, and opportunity. Through FROM THE BARBERSHOP TO THE BOARDROOM, CRC brings books, conversation, encouragement, and enrichment into barbershops and other trusted community spaces.

In these welcoming environments, a young person can read with people who see his potential. He can ask questions, practice new vocabulary, and discover that his voice belongs in every learning space.

Perseverance helps make that journey possible. It encourages young readers to keep building their skills today so they can step into tomorrow with greater confidence.

How to Get Started

  1. Register at crcbooks.org/getinvolved

  2. Wait for confirmation

  3. Download Booksy

  4. Book “Competitive Readers Cut”.

Professor Antonio and three Black boys joining hands around an open book in a vibrant barbershop reading space

Carry the Word Forward

Perseverance is not one giant leap. It is the next page, the next question, the next attempt, and the next opportunity to grow.

Keep going, young readers. Your effort matters: and when you keep moving forward together, the whole community grows stronger.

Connect with The Competitive Readers Coalition on LinkedIn.

 
 
 

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