Theme: Perseverance This story proves that with great determination you can survive anywhere. You will surely succeed with flying colors, not just survive. It is the key for achieving goals and gaining success. Just like the way, Marjene persevered through the war, established her voice, independence, and secured her identity, I overcame the obstacles of fitting into middle school and kept improving. My parents were open to the new idea of transitioning me to public school, but it is my perseverance, that I am succeeding in high school, despite the initial bumps in middle school.