The correct answer to this open question is the following.
You did not provide any reference to answer this question. We do not know the text, the excerpt, the name of the book or article, neither the name of the author. Without that information is difficult to know what you are talking about,
However, trying to help you and doing some deep research, we can comment on the following.
You are referring to the lecture "Barrington Irving; Pilot and Educator," an article from National Geographic.
I agree with the author because the life of Irving is an example of perseverance and determination. Irving is a pilot. But his childhood was a tough one. He was raised in the tough neighborhoods of downtown Miami, Florida.
At 28, he had graduated with honors and built his own plane prototype.
So he is a true example of overcoming obstacles in life and has the authority to give recommendations to students. His main message: "if you are determined and have clear goals, nothing can stop you."
