" It’s not what you go through, but how that experience affects you. For some people, it could be a near car crash that changes your life. For other people, it could take five years of going to prison for them to realize they need change in their life. So it’s not really the experience but more how the experience affects you. "
- Brian Banks

This quote emphasizes that it's not the specific event or experience one goes through that dictates personal growth but rather how one perceives and responds to that experience. It suggests that various life events, such as a near-accident or time spent in prison, can serve as catalysts for change if they lead individuals to reassess their lives and make necessary adjustments.

The deeper meaning of this quote lies in its assertion that personal transformation is primarily a matter of perspective rather than the event itself. Whether someone undergoes a sudden, dramatic experience or gradually realizes the need for change over time, what truly matters is how these experiences shape an individual's mindset and actions moving forward. This idea challenges us to consider not just the external events in our lives but also our internal responses to them—how we interpret, cope with, and learn from those events.

Brian Banks is a former American football player who spent five years in prison for a crime he did not commit before being exonerated. His journey highlights the transformative power of personal growth despite adversity, aligning closely with his statement about how experiences can lead to profound changes when they prompt us to reflect on and improve our lives.