During this semester I failed in taking the Excel Certification Exam in my Information Systems class. Before the certification, I prepared for the test by doing practice exams multiple times and even running through the same exams with and without help. The day of the exam came and I felt ready. Unfortunately, I forgot my password that would let me access the exam and was kicked out of the room.
I was in shock afterwords and had a breakdown because without that score, it would be impossible for me to make an A in the class. At this point, I'm considering dropping the class or finding a way to take the exam on my own. My parents talked me through it, so I decided to email my teacher to see if I could take it during another class' time.
To my disappointment, she flat out told me no, but I brushed it off and decided to go to office hours the next day. This time, she would allow me to take the exam for the sake of getting the certification, but I wouldn't receive any credit.
Over spring break I get an email from her giving me some serious heat about being unprepared, but at the end of the day, she would let me take the exam with a 2 point penalty. The day of the retake comes, and I pass!
2) What I Learned
Going through this experience was very humbling. It's rare that I mess up on things like this because I'm usually prepared for everything so it was kind of a shock for me. Even when I thought my teacher would say no, I asked anyway and it ended up working out. The main takeaway from this experience is that if you don't ask, the answer will always be no - so ask! Not only this, but it taught me to double-check myself even when I do think I'm prepared.
3) How I Feel about Failure Now
I would say that failure is bittersweet. Hurts in the moment, but it can teach you a lot. Even looking back at my past failures, they were always learning experiences for me and even when they felt astronomical in the moment, over time they lose their dramatics.
2) What I Learned
Going through this experience was very humbling. It's rare that I mess up on things like this because I'm usually prepared for everything so it was kind of a shock for me. Even when I thought my teacher would say no, I asked anyway and it ended up working out. The main takeaway from this experience is that if you don't ask, the answer will always be no - so ask! Not only this, but it taught me to double-check myself even when I do think I'm prepared.
3) How I Feel about Failure Now
I would say that failure is bittersweet. Hurts in the moment, but it can teach you a lot. Even looking back at my past failures, they were always learning experiences for me and even when they felt astronomical in the moment, over time they lose their dramatics.
I'm a perfectionist, so failure has always been a tough pill to swallow, but overtime I'm learning to be more receptive and accepting of failure. Usually, I talk to my friends and family when I fail, allow myself to feel the emotion in the moment, and then try harder the next time.
This class has definitely opened up my eyes to failure and I feel more comfortable taking a risk now compared to a few months ago. I think just washing away the stigma of failure and taking it a positive way has really spun the meaning for me. At the end of the day, I want to grow as a person and failure is just a part of that process.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting to hear about this experience! I agree with everything you said about failure. Even though it can be hard to swallow sometimes, I think it usually ends up being good for us in the long run. Also, I agree that the more we experience failure the easier it becomes to handle it. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting and amazing post. I totally agree with your examples of failure, and how hard it could be. I like how you had a positive with the failure and you saw the better part which the bigger picture was. Great post I think you explained failure well! I'm looking forward to see what else you have to say on this subject since you explained it so well.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThe experience you went through was definitely one that would have made me stress out a ton as well. How you handle it with perseverance shows your character and that you truly work hard. It is great that you learned a valuable lesson from this. If you never ask for something, no matter how crazy it may be, you will never know if you could have it.