“We are all in an ocean," he said. "Every one of us. Some of us are barely swimming, some of us are drowning, and there are some of us still who are being tossed in waves and dashed upon the rocks. And often we feel that we won't survive. Maybe that ocean is school, and we're struggling to get decent grades, or to fit in, or maybe we're just trying to survive the hurtful words and actions of people who don't understand their cruelty. But one thing is certain—something that Hemingway is trying to teach us through Santiago—we, as human beings, are made to transcend. I believe that there is something deep down inside of us that resonates with the universe. A purpose. And once we learn what the purpose is"—Spinelli looked directly at me—"even the whole ocean cannot stop us.”