Butterflies appear to be among the most fragile and delicate creatures on earth.

Yet, some species are strong enough to migrate thousands of miles each year to find warmer climates.

The life cycle of a butterfly is also interesting.

Butterfly eggs hatch into little caterpillars that eat everything in sight for about two weeks until they are ready to encase themselves in cocoons and transform into butterflies.

Emerging from these cocoons is a slow and strenuous process for the butterfly.

It works hard to force its wings to unfold through the tiny opening from which it will escape.

At that moment, it will unfurl its wings and allow them to dry and set so that it can float gracefully in the breeze.

The adversity and strife that the butterfly must go through is a necessary part of its life cycle.

Without the force exerted on the wings by the chrysalis, the wings would not get enough blood flow and thus, would not form properly.

The butterfly would then be a hapless meal for any predator that happened by.

Adversity can be just as powerful and important in our lives, too.

As much as we don’t like to suffer, experiencing difficult situations helps us develop coping strategies that can help us endure the ups and downs of life.

If we’re never tested, we never know what we’re capable of.

Worse, we are ill prepared for those life events that may metaphorically cripple our wings and threaten our well-being.

As you move through your academic endeavors, I encourage you to meet challenges head on.

Difficult classes don’t have to equal defeat. Make up your mind to master the knowledge and skills presented in the class.

If you need guidance and support, come see us in Student Support Services, (located on the first floor of the Main Building, near Student Life. Counselors are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.)

In addition, you can call Student Support visit www.occc.edu/support, or call 405-682-7520.