Many years after receiving my graduate degree, I returned to the State University of New York at Binghamton as a faculty member(大学教学人员). One day in a crowded elevator, someone remarked on its inefficiency. I said the elevators had not changed in the 20 years since I began there as a student.
When the door finally opened, I felt a compassionate pat on my back, and turned to see an elderly nun smiling at me. You'll get that degree, dear, she whispered. Perseverance(百折不挠) is a virtue.