Silver Lining by Tara

Silver Lining by Tara - August 2014 Scholarship Essay

When you find yourself in the midst of experiencing hardship it is difficult to see the progress made in overcoming that trial. Often, it is challenging to realize that failing does not make you are a failure. In fact, just the opposite is true. It takes great courage to overcome the disappointment of not reaching your goals.

I experienced this burden as I entered college. In high school I found myself easily able to attain a high GPA and frankly thought myself to be smart. However, I soon realized that the academic intensity at a university level was much more difficult than I had anticipated. When final grades were posted at the end of my first semester I was disappointment to find that my efforts to maintain a high GPA had failed. I lost my scholarship and felt unworthy to continue at a college level.

Now at the beginning of my senior year I have come to realization that, that horrific semester was more than a stumbling block, it was a stepping stone. It gave me the motivation I needed to improve; I was filled with the desire to do better. My failure not only helped me realize what I needed to change, but I gained the fundamental perspective that I was worth more than my grades. I discovered I could overcome and move forward and it gave me the courage to face future fears and failures with faith.