The Failure that Shaped Me by Elizaveta

The Failure that Shaped Me by Elizaveta - July 2023 Scholarship Essay

The Failure that Shaped Me

When I reflect on my time as a college student so far, one mistake stands out vividly: taking on an overwhelming number of extracurricular activities and two part-time jobs during my freshman year, without properly managing my time.

As an eager new student with aspirations of becoming a lawyer and attending law school, I was determined to make the most of the opportunities on campus. I eagerly joined three clubs, volunteered regularly, and took on two part-time jobs. In my naivety, I believed I could balance it all alongside my coursework, but I lacked a proper schedule and structure.

Predictably, this chaotic juggling act led to missed shifts and deadlines. Although my grades remained high, I soon realized that I had stretched myself too thin. The burnout was real.

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of focus, balance, and setting proper priorities. While my grades may have been commendable, I came to understand that excessive commitments can easily distract from academic pursuits and law school preparation if not managed carefully.

Now, as a junior, maintaining a 3.78 GPA, I have become more selective in the activities I choose to engage in. Recognizing the need to align my pursuits with my goals, I took the initiative to establish our campus pre-law society, a platform perfectly attuned to my aspirations. Moreover, I have become more discerning when it comes to joining organizations, opting only for those that align with my interests and priorities. To free up more time for what truly matters, I made the decision to let go of one of my part-time jobs. This deliberate shift allows me to dedicate quality time to my passions while still devoting ample effort to my studies and law school preparation.

Above all, this experience of taking on too much during my freshman year, coupled with the subsequent struggle to manage it all, taught me the profound value of discipline. It revealed that even with the best intentions, I needed to set limits and learn to say no to opportunities that did not align with my goals of law school and becoming a lawyer. This failure became the catalyst for my focused and balanced approach, which has not only propelled my academic success but has also prepared me for the next stage of my journey. It serves as a constant reminder to continually reassess my commitments based on my true priorities and genuine interests.

Through this failure, I underwent a transformative personal growth journey. It challenged me to reflect on my choices, evaluate my time management skills, and reevaluate my priorities. Today, I can proudly say that I have embraced these lessons and integrated them into my life. I am committed to applying the values of focus, balance, and discipline not only in my academic pursuits but also in all aspects of my personal and professional life.