Success: The Result of Hard Work and Failure by Bonnie

Success: The Result of Hard Work and Failure by Bonnie - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

The principle that success comes from hard work, determination, and failure, is one that most successful students understand. The learning process for students involves sacrificing time and energy, and must begin with a lack of knowledge and desire to learn. As I have discovered this principle throughout my experience as a student, one specific example sticks out to me.
Junior year I took an AP art history class that I loved. Most of the material was really interesting to me and I worked all year to prepare for the AP test. However, as the test drew nearer, I realized how much AP material there actually was, and after failing several quizzes and tests, I discovered how much of it I didn't know. It was a brand new test and the teacher was beside herself with anxiety, not knowing how to prepare her students. Several of my classmates thought they wouldn't pass and decided not to take the test. I realized taking it would be risky because I wasn't completely confident and knew if I didn't pass it would be a big waste of money. I decided to take it, and for several weeks before the test I practically ate, drank, and breathed the AP content, studying harder than ever. The day of the test came and despite my rigorous studying, I walked away discouraged. I didn't finish any of the timed essays and was sure I hadn't passed. However, when the results were posted I was surprised and ecstatic! I not only passed the test, but had gotten the highest score of the class.
I was able to succeed because of the drive to work hard that I had in preparation for the test, and because after failing quizzes and tests I realized that I needed to improve. I also succeeded because of the resources that were available to me as I studied. My teacher was a helpful resource in knowing where to look for specific and reliable information and in getting personalized help. Other resources I used were my textbook and trusted internet sites like Khan Academy.
Through this experience I learned that I can do hard things through hard work and dedication. I also learned that if I never took risks, and never failed, I would also never succeed. Risk taking develops character and is a crucial part of life.
In college there are plenty of risks to be taken, whether it's enrolling in a challenging class, rooming with a stranger, or developing relationships. This experience has prepared me for college as it has helped me learn the importance of hard work, as well as the importance of taking risks, even if I don't first succeed.