In her talk titled "Chasing the Butterflies", Julia Alvarez explains that the "butterfly" in which she is speaking of is not "any touchy-feely, gushy Hallmark-card, sentimentalized definition of butterfly." She tells the listeners that butterflies are symbols for the soul, according to Greek mythology. To become a butterfly and to gain a soul, one must first recognize that they are but a lowly caterpillar enclosed in a cocoon. This involves risks of failure in becoming a butterfly, but working hard to achieve one's wings.

The second step to becoming a butterfly is to keep up with the struggle and never forget the goal. If one loses their path, it is hard to regain their will power. The people surrounding the person, whether it is friends, families, or teachers, are examples of inspiration to keep going, and not give up.

After the struggle is the final time where one...