Let me give you a backstory.

I wasn’t exactly a bright kid growing up and this reflected in my academics. My secondary school used colors like red, pink, and white to distinguish between the classes. The smart students were in red class, the average kids were in pink, and the empty-headed kids were in white, so trust me when I say that I alternate between pink and white every term. I was never placed in the intelligent “class” during my time in school.

Because I failed a course last semester and received a D in a 4-unit course, my thoughts began to spiral, and this is what gave me the inspiration to write this piece. I scolded myself for my horrible grades when I observed my peers getting better results and wondered if I was still the same dumb kid. In my mind, I stood before a jury and downplayed my own worth.

My head has been occupied with different thoughts since I received my results, and anxiety has been steadily pricking my heart with its claws and leaking those negative emotions.

I work hard enough to earn decent scores, so why do I still fall short??

But you know what? Failing isn’t all that bad. Failure in one area of your life, whether it be in school or at work, does not define you as a person. You cannot dismiss all of your achievements because of a single misstep. I never mentioned it, but in my other courses, I received A’s and B’s. My immediate reaction was despair for my failings rather than joy for my successes.

It’s also acceptable to feel sad.

I wanted to ace my exams, but things didn’t work out that way, and it’s okay to feel disappointed by an unexpected result. Simply because I don’t get straight A’s does not imply that I am not making an effort, and having trouble with math does not suggest a lack of intelligence.

Looking introspectively, I failed to recognize how my failures shaped me to never settle for mediocrity and how they inspired me to aspire for greatness. I allowed my failings to consume me and make me feel undeserving. I am incredibly proud of my growth, which I see every day. When I look in the mirror, I see that this phrase is indeed true.

change is the only constant thing.

It is crazy how I’m writing a piece because I failed a course, but I guess people process things differently. I want you to ask yourself this question if, like me, you recently failed at something.

Did you give it your all?

It’s alright if you did. Despite your failures, you are not a loser. Don’t let your failures become the main focus of your existence.

So, it is okay.

Your success knows no bounds.