Why I'm Proud of Students Who Fail
Society celebrates success and achievement. The more you've overcome in order to achieve that success, the more you're celebrated. That's great. However, I want to shift that narrative a little. It's easy to heap praise and recognition on someone after they've successfully achieved their goals. When everything has worked out, it's easy to hand out the kudos.
I want to take a moment to shine a light on those who haven't quite reached their goals yet.
I want to tell you this: If you've faced failure, "I'm so proud of you." Read that again. Absorb it. Accept it. Because it's genuine.
You had the courage to begin
Starting any journey that you know will be challenging, long and will require sacrifice takes courage. You're aware of the hurdles ahead, yet you choose to embark on the path anyway. Thousands opt out, or don't start fearing the challenges. But those who dive in, knowing the potential pitfalls, deserve admiration.
You've chosen to try, to venture into the unknown, and that's commendable.
You make sacrifices
Every student makes sacrifices. Time, relationships, personal pursuits, and sometimes even mental well-being are often set aside in the quest for academic success. Every day, choices are made to prioritize studies over other life experiences. This commitment, this dedication, is worthy of respect. Many people aren't willing to give up their comfort zones, free time or lifestyle to make these sacrifices. It's far more comfortable to spend spare time watching Netflix, trawling Instagram and socialising than putting these things aside to pick up a textbook and focus on something that's complex and nowhere near as engaging as Game of Thrones.
You have the resilience to continue
Facing failure is heart-wrenching. Yet, you pick yourself up, dust off the disappointment, and try again. Even when you feel horrible about it. Even when you're still disappointed and heartbroken. Even when you see those around you who were successful and are now ahead of you, and that's a horrible feeling. You still choose to keep going. This resilience, this unwavering spirit, is awe-inspiring. It's a testament to the stubborn belief in yourself and the commitment to one's goals. In fact, even when you're lost the belief in yourself, you still keep going, and that's even tougher.
You're building a growth mindset. It doesn't feel good, it doesn't feel positive, but it's valuable.
You care deeply about your goals
Throughout my interactions with countless students, one thing stands out: the depth of their commitment. It's not just about securing a better future or achieving academic accolades. It's about personal growth, the pursuit of knowledge, and the desire to make a mark. This deep-seated care and passion is truly commendable. You may not know where you're going to land up. You don't know what your future holds, what your future career will look like, but you believe that your goal is worth pursuing, and you keep going.
You venture beyond your comfort zone
Stepping outside your comfort zone is never easy. Yet, students have to do it daily, challenging yourself with new concepts, ideas, and perspectives. This willingness to explore, to push boundaries, and to grow is what sets you apart. People underestimate the daily discomfort that comes with a tough goal. It's not just exams. It's every day. Every time you look at a topic, or a detail that's new and strange and not immediately obvious, it's uncomfortable. There's that little worry that you're not going to 'get it', that the time you take on this thing is going to set you back. You have to let things go before you're fully comfortable with the content because you need to move onto the next topic. You have to attempt practical questions before you really know the answer. You have to wake up early, stay up late, study while you're tired and stressed. None of this is comfortable. Yet you do it. You choose discomfort, because you feel that the end goal will be worth it.
You find humor amidst adversity
Even in the face of challenges, many students manage to keep their sense of humor alive. It can often be a bit of a dark humour. Rueful and bordering on bitterness at times, but still trying to make things a little lighter. You support each other, share light-hearted moments, and find joy in the little things. This ability to laugh, even when the going gets tough, is a testament to your spirit.
A special shout-out to distance learners
Distance learning comes with its unique set of challenges. The isolation, the uncertainty, and the constant struggle for clarity can be overwhelming. Yet, many persevere, driven by their goals and dreams. I was a distance learner myself. My degree and postgrad degree was all done 'correspondence' (Yes, in the days before the internet, where you got study guides in the post). When I compare my experience to the experience of those who were fortunate enough to attend a university with classes, access to lecturers, fellow students, a library, and loads of other resources they wouldn't even think about, I realise just how much of a difference there is, and how much tougher the journey is.
To all distance learners out there, know that your journey, with all its ups and downs, is recognized and deeply respected.
Journey vs Destination
Sometimes, the journey holds more value than the destination. (Yes, this is the "it builds character" speech!)
It's about the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the person you become along the way. Whether you achieve academic accolades or not, it's the journey, the effort, and the spirit that truly matter.
Your future career will hold both ups and downs. Neither of these are permanent. It doesn't take too much character and resilience to weather the 'ups'. The 'downs', on the other hand, take courage, strength, perseverance and resilience to walk through. Your experience of failure, the feeling of getting up again, and moving towards your goal is valuable for the rest of your career.
In Conclusion
Failure, often seen as a setback, can be a powerful catalyst for growth. It teaches resilience, perseverance, and the value of effort. To all students who've faced failure, know that your journey is recognized, your efforts are appreciated, and your spirit is celebrated. It's not just about the successes but also about the lessons learned from the setbacks. And for that, I'm incredibly proud of you.
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