The Persistent Gymnast by Beverly

The Persistent Gymnast by Beverly - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was only five years old, I decided to become a competitive gymnast. Little did I know I was in for a massive surprise, compared to the simple tumbling classes I had been taking. It was such a struggle for myself to overcome each obstacle my coach would set in front of me. The most vivid memory I have is definitely the memory of my first ever competitive team practice.
It was my first day of practice, and I was beyond excited, but also very nervous to meet the new coaches and teammates. This was the first time I was going to have real teammates, and I was thrilled to be part of such an important group. I was giving it my all on the uneven bars, my favorite even, but somehow I must have accidentally bent my legs on the skill I was performing. I was so mad once I realized my mistake. My coach was already peering over at me with a slight glimpse of disappointment in her eyes. I went to apologize, but before I could she yelled, "Get out of my gym until we move on to the next event! I cannot look at you after the simple mistake you made!" I immediately wanted to cry, but refrained from doing so. I quietly walked outside and came back in when it was time. My mom insisted that I quit right then and there, but i neglected that option. Instead, I went back in, finished practice, and continued competing for the next seven years of my childhood.
What I had learned in the little bit of time I spent outside, shaming myself, was that no matter how badly I fail, I must get up and try again. Although this was such a simple little failure, it was the moment i learned to accept failure and beat it all by myself. Sure I may fail more than I would like to, But never once since that day have I gave up simply because of failure. I always get back up and try again, no matter how hard the fall. I believe that this discipline instilled in me at such a young age has helped me become the hard-working person I am today.