The Marines and Peace Corps volunteers with whom I served demonstrated more ingenuity, perseverance, and guts than any other group of people I've known.

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And I wish I could say that this perseverance came from some innate toughness in me.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at Barnard College Commencement Ceremony | The White House

At each school, I hear stories about the perseverance of community college students to make a better life for themselves and their families -- students like Albert, who inspire me and who I am thrilled to welcome here today.

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Through football, I learned humility, teamwork, and perseverance.

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Instead I have focused on humility, trust, perseverance, creativity and the simple desire to step up and take on a challenge and make the world a better place.

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After visiting Newtown myself yesterday I am left with the memory of two words specifically -- perseverance and character.

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But then you start talking to the guys working on those machines, creating products all across the country, you go into the diner and you meet folks who are raising their kids and working hard and trying to keep things together, and I'm reminded of the strength and the resilience and the perseverance of the American people.

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