The ACT Survivor by Darrell

The ACT Survivor by Darrell - August 2014 Scholarship Essay

One academic failure that made me stronger came in June of this year. I went to take the ACT for the second time, hoping to get a little closer to receiving my goal score. I had worked extremely hard studying on average about three hours a day. I also thought that by me having experience, because I took the test once before that I was going to score higher than I had previously. But, to my surprise when I received my scores back I had actually scored less than the first time I took the test. Shock and astonished I was feeling frustrated that my hard work resulted in failure.

However, in spite of my dilemma I had an epiphany later that week. I decided to take my undesirable situation and create motivation to conquer the test that had depleted all of my efforts. As the days rolled on I began to see where I went wrong. I also, began to attack my academic weaknesses. Now, two months after I had taken the test I feel I have a new mindset. I hope to go back this winter, and take the test that once had destroyed my confidence. In this moment I know that without receiving this lesson I would not feel the same way I do now. I also, feel blessed to have received this kind of shock so early in my life and in my academic career.

This failure has truly made me stronger, and I am more determined than ever to do better the next time I take this test. I have been studying harder than ever, and I am now in the process of taking online ACT preparation classes. I also feel that I have strengthen my skill set in the subjects that have given me a little trouble in the past. Personally, I hope no one has failures of any kind in their life. However, for me this experience was a gift in disguise and I have truly became a stronger student and person from this experience.