While ghosts and goblins roamed the streets of jobsite, Ally was in Bali attending an international school math competition. Through a series of unforeseen events, the competition evolved from something that she excitedly signed up for to something that she dreaded. The competition haunted her for weeks and became a tremendous source of anxiety for her.

As difficult as it was to send Ally off early Friday morning, Chris and I knew that it would be a meaningful experience for her. Not in the sense of competing to be the best, or the fastest, at designing a series of equilateral triangles with a limited number of lines, but at realizing how facing adversity can build confidence, competence and character. Ally will return to jobsite tomorrow morning with more strength and resiliency, and with a sense of accomplishment.

Ally competing in one of Saturday’s sessions.