Invincible

Whenever the going gets rough, my mind flies to a certain quote by French philosopher, dramatist, and author Albert Camus. Extracted from his famous 1954 lyrical essay, Return to Tipasa, the adage goes like this:

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

No one sidesteps misfortune entirely, we all know that rationally. And yet, when life hands us trials and tribulations, it feels like a shock to the system: unfair and overwhelming. The last decades brought me the loss of both my parents, my brother, and my best friend. As if that were not enough, last year served me an extra helping of adversity. My husband of forty-two years, Cliff, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone. Cliff is a fighter, and so am I. Together, we have fought not only to extend his quality of life, but to remain fully present with one another—finding moments of joy, hope, and gratitude even on the darkest days. I believe it is those moments, those small restorative moments of grace, appreciation, and love, that comprise the “invincible summer” of which Camus wrote. I am grateful that Cliff is still by my side, grateful for his fighting spirit and his will to live. I am grateful for my small cohort of wonderful students who light up my days and bring me joy with their courage, determination, humor, and insight. And I am grateful to Camus, for giving me a mantra that resonates more profoundly with me with each passing day.

In the world of college admissions, as decisions continue to arrive: a rejection here, a deferral there, an uninspiring placement on a dreaded waitlist. Students can feel as though they have been sentenced to the far reaches of Siberia, doomed to endure an endless winter after so many months (or years) of effort, hope, and anticipation.

And yet, I want you to know this: You are not defined by setbacks. Your capacity to grow, to thrive, and to embrace joy is both invincible and endless. Take stock of the words of Camus. Breathe deep. Have faith. And remind yourself that summer—invincible summer—is always within you.

All my best to you in 2026, 

College Coach Karen