26A - Celebrating Failure

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 has brought many different changes to my life, some that are good and some that are bad. Additionally, with this being my first semester at the University of Florida numerous stresses from course related work have been brought my way. The classes I am currently enrolled in have taught me a lot about myself and my ability to overcome adversity. More specifically my business statistics class, which I found to be surprising because math us usually my best subject. The first exam rolled around and I felt adequately prepared for it but when the test results were released I realized that I must not have been. This meant that I needed to step it up on my next two tests to get the grade in the class that I desired so I studied even longer hours and watched each lecture at least two times. This strategy seemed to pay off because on the second exam I earned an A. There is still one more exam left and I feel like I am going to crush it. I have learned the teachers system and what I need to study so I believe that I will succeed and get the grade I desire due to all the effort I am willing to put in. 

2) Tell us what you learned from it.  

• When you think you have studied enough study even more
• Do not be afraid to ask questions during office hours and use the resources provided to you
• Overcome adversity by working your way through it
• The easiest solution may not always be the best solution and do not be afraid to put in the work

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?

• As I have gotten older my perspective of failure has totally changed. I used to think that I had to be perfect all the time and never make mistakes. This class has helped me to change that perspective into one of viewing failure as an opportunity for growth. You must asses your failures and build upon them as an entrepreneur in order to be successful and I am learning that the exact same thing applies if you want to be successful in life.