News
November 08, 2025
TINSLEY: Journey was right — don't stop believing
A scientist placed a number of fleas in a jar and they immediately jumped out. He then placed a clear glass plate over the top of the jar. The fleas continued to jump, smashing their heads into the invisible barrier.
**TINSLEY –** We all face invisible barriers in life, obstacles that seem insurmountable and discourage us from reaching our full potential. A recent anecdote shared by a local scientist, Tinsley, powerfully illustrates this common human experience and offers a valuable lesson about perseverance.
Tinsley, known for her engaging science demonstrations, recently recounted an experiment involving fleas. Initially, she placed the tiny creatures in a jar. As expected, the fleas, naturally adept jumpers, immediately leaped out, exploring their newfound freedom.
The next stage of the experiment introduced an invisible challenge. Tinsley placed a clear glass plate over the top of the jar, effectively creating a ceiling. The fleas, undeterred at first, continued to jump. However, they soon encountered the unexpected barrier, repeatedly bumping their heads against the glass.
The jarring collisions undoubtedly caused discomfort, but the fleas, driven by instinct, persisted. They kept jumping, even though each attempt ended with a painful thud against the unseen obstacle.
Tinsley explained that this experiment highlights a crucial aspect of human behavior. Often, we encounter similar "glass ceilings" – limitations we perceive, whether self-imposed or externally created. These barriers can be societal expectations, fear of failure, or simply a lack of confidence.
The fleas, in their relentless jumping, teach us a valuable lesson: Don't stop believing. Even when faced with repeated setbacks and invisible obstacles, persistence is key. Tinsley emphasizes that it’s important to periodically re-evaluate the barriers we encounter. What once seemed impossible may, with time and renewed effort, become achievable. The glass ceiling might have been removed, or we may have developed the skills and strategies to overcome it.
The scientist hopes that her simple flea experiment will inspire others to push beyond their perceived limitations and continue striving towards their goals, even when the journey is challenging. As Tinsley aptly put it, "Sometimes, all it takes is one more jump."
Tinsley, known for her engaging science demonstrations, recently recounted an experiment involving fleas. Initially, she placed the tiny creatures in a jar. As expected, the fleas, naturally adept jumpers, immediately leaped out, exploring their newfound freedom.
The next stage of the experiment introduced an invisible challenge. Tinsley placed a clear glass plate over the top of the jar, effectively creating a ceiling. The fleas, undeterred at first, continued to jump. However, they soon encountered the unexpected barrier, repeatedly bumping their heads against the glass.
The jarring collisions undoubtedly caused discomfort, but the fleas, driven by instinct, persisted. They kept jumping, even though each attempt ended with a painful thud against the unseen obstacle.
Tinsley explained that this experiment highlights a crucial aspect of human behavior. Often, we encounter similar "glass ceilings" – limitations we perceive, whether self-imposed or externally created. These barriers can be societal expectations, fear of failure, or simply a lack of confidence.
The fleas, in their relentless jumping, teach us a valuable lesson: Don't stop believing. Even when faced with repeated setbacks and invisible obstacles, persistence is key. Tinsley emphasizes that it’s important to periodically re-evaluate the barriers we encounter. What once seemed impossible may, with time and renewed effort, become achievable. The glass ceiling might have been removed, or we may have developed the skills and strategies to overcome it.
The scientist hopes that her simple flea experiment will inspire others to push beyond their perceived limitations and continue striving towards their goals, even when the journey is challenging. As Tinsley aptly put it, "Sometimes, all it takes is one more jump."
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