Just Embrace It by Trinity

Just Embrace It by Trinity - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could send one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace failure as a stepping stone for new growth. I often viewed setbacks as dead ends, letting the fear of failure dictate my every choice. Had I had this advice early on it could have reshaped my perspective and given me the courage to take more risks and learn from the mistakes I encountered on the way.

In high school, I was passionate about writing but hesitated to share my work. I vividly remember a creative writing contest in my junior year. I spent weeks crafting a short story, pouring my heart into every word. But when the deadline approached, self-doubt crept in. What if my story was ridiculed? What if it wasn’t good enough? Paralyzed by the fear of rejection, I never submitted it. That choice haunted me not because I might have won, but because I denied myself the chance to try. If I had embraced failure then, I would have seen the contest as an opportunity to grow, regardless of the outcome. Submitting that story could have built my confidence, opened doors to feedback, or even connected me with others who shared my passion.

Embracing failure would have also changed how I approached challenges beyond writing. In college, I avoid certain classes, like public speaking, because I fear stumbling over my words. I stick to safe, familiar paths, limiting my growth. If I had told my past self to view failure as a teacher, I may have tackled these challenges head on. Each misstep would have been a lesson, helping me develop resilience and adaptability skills that I know will prove invaluable later in life. For instance, when I started my first job, I struggled with presenting ideas to colleagues. Had I practiced embracing failure earlier, I could have approached those moments with confidence instead of anxiety.

This advice isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about living without regret. By fearing failure, I missed opportunities to learn, connect, and discover my potential. Telling my younger self to embrace failure would have encouraged me to take risks, whether submitting a story, speaking up, or trying something new. Those experiences, even if imperfect, would have shaped a bolder, more open-minded version of myself.

Today, I still work to carry this lesson forward. Failure is no longer a roadblock but a guidepost, pointing me toward growth. If I could tell my past self one thing, it would be to fail boldly because every stumble is a step toward becoming who you’re meant to be.