26A - Celebrating Failure

1. Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time.

This semester, I had taken a law of mass communication class and it was by far one of the most difficult classes I have ever been enrolled in. Prior to this class, I did not have any law experience or knowledge. The being said it was extremely difficult for me to get a grip on the concepts and overall understandings as each and every topic was very detailed and in-depth. I barely passed the first exam and that put me in a terrible headspace for the remainder of the class. I did not know if I would pass at that time but luckily I turned a corner and began doing a lot better.

2. Tell us what you learned from it.

I learned from this failure because it taught me that just because something is new and challenging does not mean that I cannot accomplish it. Most things regarding school and classes come easy to me, but this class in particular did not and it really threw me for a loop. I think that receiving a bad grade on the first exam was exactly what I needed because I knew right away that I was going to have to work and study extra hard from then on out. This taught me the importance of persistence and how to tackle new tasks in a different, more effective way than what I was used to.

3. Reflect, in general, on what you think about failure. Failure is hard, isn't it? It's embarrassing, sure, but it also means that we have to change something about ourselves. Talk about how you handle failure (emotionally, behaviorally). Finally, talk about how this class has changed your perspective on failure -- are you more likely to take a risk now than you were just a few months ago?

I think failure is a great thing and something that each and every one of us must embrace in our lives at some point or another. We are constantly putting so much pressure on ourselves to succeed but I am a firm believer that success is defined by our failures. I try to remind myself of this every day so it will be embedded in me to pick myself back up and keep going after any minor failure. This class has changed my perspective on failure because throughout this entire semester, I have learned how failures are inevitable in any business-type of situation. I am much more likely to take risks and be bold with them because you never know what great things they could lead to.