Perseverance - [pur-suh-veer-uhns] noun - steady persistance in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.*

When I first read this ask, I wasn't quite sure I could come up with something worthy.

After all, I live in the best city (San Francisco) in what is still the mightiest nation in history of the world (United States), was raised by loving (doting may actually be more accurate) parents, had a Huck Finn--esque childhood, went to the best public university in the world (UC Berkeley), work at an uber-progressive media company (CurrentTV), married a wonderful woman (Carolyn), and have a wonderful son (Jaxon).

Quite honestly, I have never had to struggle with any of the basic necessities of life, let alone the more difficult ones. That is not to say everything has come easy to me. I have certainly spent my share of moments longing for the warmth of the sun. Prom comes to mind, immediately. As does a really cold winter in Alaska.

But to respect the above definition proffered by the incomparable 'Mr. Webster,'* which is what this assignment asks, I am, in retrospect, humbled by my own good fortune.

If anything, I suppose I can say that because of the place my life started, in Stockton, CA, (circa 1970) and who it was started by, I have had an opportunity that many others haven't. That is, I have been able to dedicate the majority of my own life to helping others to persevere.

One of the greatest gifts my father taught me - I am not sure when; long before I can remember - was to care intensely about the greater good. My mother later imprinted upon me, and most psychologists are inclined to do, to see things from other people's perspectives.

The world, in all the time since, has done nothing but reinforce those two notions and fuel my personal and professional motivations.

This foundation has made it possible for me to work at the UN at the age of 17, to teach kindergarten in my 20s, to counsel troubled youth with mental disabilities, assist homeless families and treat Alzheimer's patients with the love they deserve in my 30s.

Now, at 40, I spend my hours and days in the service of people committed to making the world a better place and keeping the American Dream alive.

And I can say, definitively, that there is no challenge present at this moment greater than that one.

Do I feel successful?

Yes. Undoubtedly, I do feel I have made a difference in the world. But the job is nowhere near done. In fact, some can argue it is just starting. Ironically, as I type this, millions of Americans are re-thinking their own perseverance right now. People have started to unglue their butts from the sofa and take to the streets to demand justice.

I am one of those people.

And the minute we have ALL won the battle against the powerful forces that have created the difficulties we face, that have erected the obstacles before us, and that are trying to discourage us with rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray and flash grenades, that will be the minute I can honestly say:

"I, Derk Pippin, have persevered."

Until then, I can say it but I won't really mean it.

Rise UP!

*I actually got the definition online from http://www.dictionary.com.