My First and Greatest Failure?
Ambitious, hard-working, and organized "me" found unanticipated
events difficult to accept. But an unexpected twist changed my life
and forced me to overcome failure. Two years ago, I regularly spent
at least 12 hours per day studying for the entrance exam to the top
high school. Families and peers pressured us constantly. However, the
COVID-19 pandemic and never-ending quarantine caused schools to
replace the exam with our report cards. I felt confident of my efforts
throughout the year.
Unfortunately, my first and second school choices rejected me by
only 0.1 and 0.2 points, respectively. I had never anticipated this
alternate selection process, so I had prepared rigorously for the
exam. I considered the third school below my ability, and my friends
and family seemed even more shocked by the circumstance than me.
Everyone had assumed I couldn’t fail to enter the top city schools.
This failure created doubt in my mind, leaving me with
disappointment, suspicion, confusion, and dozens of questions. Did I
not study enough? Did I lack effort? Should I have paid more
attention to grades? School would begin in about a month, but it
took me far longer to get over the experience. During that time, my
parents pursued alternative private schools but found no open slots.
We all regretted having no backup plan, because of our confidence in
my performance on the exam.
Nevertheless, I made the best of my situation, taking full advantage
of this institution during the past year. With less pressure and
competition, I can earn high grades and top positions and still devote
time to myself, my family, and my relationships with others. Last
summer, for example, I enrolled as a volunteer in my community.
Learning how to spread love and care for children has impacted me
during the activities and skill classes, such as drawing, dancing, or
martial artsall hobbies of mine. I also perform charity work with
family and friends during this extra free time. We raised donations of
clothes, books, and food and traveled to our hometown, to remote
orphanages, and helped those in plight. I can spend more time on my
hobbies, which induce character growth and broaden my horizons. I
wished for more travel, more sports, more drawing, more
photography, and more friends in the past, and I now have them. I
found reaping intriguing knowledge through experience more
fulfilling than through texts and classwork. I have discovered that as I
spend more time developing myself, I find more opportunity to
contribute and improve the lives of others.
I have also gained additional capabilities since leaving middle school.
I consider the most valuable adaptation, essential as I initially
transitioned to an uncomfortable academic environment at my new
school. Thanks to this, I can adapt and blossom in any environment
without losing myself or compromising.
Life seems better than ever now. “Ambitious me” feared the changes,
but the new me appreciates what I have learned. I no longer regret
studying in this school, where I have friends and people who love the
real me. My current high school may lack prestige, but I can
comfortably express myself, and serve as a more reliable and
friendlier member of my student body. I have dramatically developed
my social skills, in opposition to my character and personality in my
former situation. I feel confident that these changes have left the
new me more prepared to succeed at the university level and in my
future career.
