9 Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Obstacles

Though we may not always realize it, life’s limitations can sometimes inspire us to strive for heights we may not have reached otherwise. And it’s an important lesson for children who are navigating the sometimes difficult journey of learning. Because, the truth is, some of the most successful people in the world have overcome tremendous obstacles in order to reach their goals.

These are people who can inspire our children to accomplish their goals despite their own specific obstacles. That’s why the Learning Liftoff staff put together a series on several famous success stories marked by overcoming obstacles, all of which are featured below. Those featured all seem to have developed a knack for facing challenges as well as the necessary grit to keep moving forward.

These profiles are a wonderful reminder that any of the students who have or are in the process of overcoming obstacles with the help of K12 programs could very well be the next Walt Disney. Please read on, share with your kids, and enjoy!

9 Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Obstacles

Walt Disney

Overcame poverty

Winston Churchill

Overcame learning challenges

Hellen Keller

Overcame loss of sight and hearing

Louis Zamperini

Overcame PTSD

Stephen Hawking

Overcame ALS

Oprah Winfrey

Overcame childhood abuse

Abraham Lincoln

Overcame chronic depression

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Overcame polio and paralysis

FDR with Churchhill

Benjamin Franklin

Overcame poverty

Published Jan 19, 2015

Deanna Glick

Deanna Glick has spent two decades as a writer and editor, covering education policy, adoption, and other issues of interest to children and families. Deanna has also worked and volunteered for youth-focused nonprofits, including Students Run LA and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. A California native, Deanna loves to hike sections of the Appalachian Trail and spend time on the Shenandoah River near her Northern Virginia home. She often finds writing inspiration through her 8-year-old daughter, who loves to read, paint, play sports, and learn.