These words of wisdom come from none other than my very own mother.
A lot of very successful people were brought up with disadvantages, such as the one and only Justin Bieber.
Now bear with me. You may think that his life has always been money and fame, but it hasn't.
He was young when his parents divorced.
His mum was forced to work two part-time jobs just to keep a roof over their heads.
They were unfortunately "un-wealthy".
When he was 12, Justin was busking on the street for money which he gave to his mum to pay some overdue bills.
This was just the beginning for Justin's giving.
Now that he is wealthy, he puts a lot of his own money into charities such as Pencils of Promise.
This charitable organisation builds schools for the disadvantaged children in undeveloped and developing countries.
For us to understand success, we need to first understand disadvantages.
Coming from an impoverished background - that's a disadvantage. Not having an opportunity for an education - that's a disadvantage.
Having a mental illness - that's another disadvantage.
Having to fight terminal illnesses - definitely a disadvantage.
Aaron Cruden is a future rugby legend, an All Black with everything he could ask for.
Well, not quite.
He actually fought a battle, which very few have won.
He fought cancer.
He won, and is now a well-known athlete.
He is living the dream of more than 80% of our younger generation.
That's wearing the silver fern.
It is also said that he has been visiting children with cancer for the sole reason to show kids that it doesn't have to be just a dream.
They can be whatever they want to be and achieve whatever they want.
Although you don't need to have a record label or an All Blacks jersey to be recognised.
Just around the corner, there is a man called Gerald Smith.
He had a farm accident forcing doctors to amputate his right hand.
He could have chosen to live off the government's money.
He didn't. To this day, he drives his tractor and does numerous physically demanding jobs on his own farm.
To summarise, life will knock us down, but we can choose whether or not to stand back up.
• By COLLEEN HOLLOWS
Year 11, Maniototo Area School
