Jill Biden, wife of presidential candidate Joe Biden, who grew up in Willow Grove, points to Philadelphia as the place where she learned all about empathy, independence, and resilience, writes Julia Terruso for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Philadelphians are really resilient,” said Biden. “It’s a city with a lot of grit, and I love that.”

From an early age, Biden had unrelenting courage. She would sneak out of her home after her parents fell asleep and break into the Upper Moreland Swim Club—a place where her family could not afford membership—for a midnight swim.

She most recently showed this same grit at a campaign rally in Los Angeles, when she straight-armed a charging protester to protect her spouse.

Later when asked about the event, she simply said that she is “a good Philly girl.”

She is still grateful to her parents for how they raised their children “in a household where there was just so much love and support.”

“They made us feel so safe and secure and I really think that had an influence on my life,” she said.

Read more about Jill Biden growing up in Willow Grove at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in October 2020.