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remember that it will always be worthwhile to keep walking
remember that sometimes giving it all will be worth it
but always remember not to climb by trampling others
remember you are great when you help
always remember that you are much stronger than you think

remember that despite everything, you are still standing
remember today is alive with a purpose
remember that you never thought that you could make it this far
remember that even if you don’t see it, you are part of someone’s joy
remember that for someone, you are the most important
and never forget to love and be loved.

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Ivan Lopez emigrated with his family from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, Queens, in 2011. He writes: “What I like to do in my spare time is play baseball, and I got to play for the minor league of the New York Yankees. I also like to write. I am writing books. I want to reinforce and perfect my English.” He studies with Lead Instructor Terry Sheehan at the New York Public Library’s Seward Park branch.