Failure Toward Success

 

Often times we think it is absolutely unacceptable to fail. But little do we know, it's all a part of the process to success! Failure can be deceiving and discouraging. But we are imperfect. No human is perfect and that is what makes humans, humans.  

 

Author, actress, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou says, "It may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." This is very important to remember because we forget that failing is okay. In fact, failure is a major key to success! Without failure, we will never learn from our mistakes so that in the future, we can do better to ultimately, live a better and happier life. 

 

I think we can all relate to this especially because this is just the beginning of our careers. Most of us are young and dumb. We make poor, child-like decisions that we cannot take back. And there's not much to do, but learn and do better in the future.  

 

To add, our society often reiterates that we need to have it all together as soon as possible. But we don't! It's okay to take our time and go at a comfortable pace to get to where we want to be. I know how it feels to fail and feel disappointed in myself. Mostly timid to disappoint my parents and ashamed of what others will think. I too forget that failing is normal, but I just have to keep reminding myself that I am young and have a long ways to go. The failures that I have experienced already, are not the only ones and there are plenty more to come.  

 

We've all been there, and if you haven't yet you will one day. And that is okay.  

 

I think it is important to understand what comes along with being successful. The website Very Well Mind lists six steps for success. Failure being a part of the first step! 

 

The website called B plans, does a very good job in providing many quotes about failing to succeed. I think they are very helpful and motivational for people who are struggling to accept that failure is an asset to success.  

 

I like this image because it demonstrates how we often think that we need to choose between failure or success. We need to remember that failure and success goes hand in hand. We would not be able to reach success if we don't fail.  

 

I Am From

I am from splendid sunlight and warm moonshine, 

From palm trees to beautiful beaches. 

I am from the city of San Diego, surrounded by cookie cutter houses. 

I am from chaos and crowded dinner tables, 

And the aroma of freshly cooked bread.  

 

I am from blood pressure cuffs and computers,  

From Grace and Dennis. 

I am from discipline and support, 

From do your chores and get good grades. 

Don’t hit your sister and love one another.  

I am from the never ending life lessons that aspire me to be great.  

 

I am from Toves and Sablan, 

The backbone of the family from the Island of Guam.  

From freshly peeled grapes to buttery saltine crackers.  

From you are my sunshine's and doggy's for sale in the window.  

I am from the small lemon tree, my family and me planted, 

In memory of our sweet Sablan King. 

 

I am from the family whose pictures sit on the dining room wall, 

Revealing the collages of our loved ones.  

Displaying the happiness. 

The laughter and love. 

That never went away and never will.  

The collages on our wall! :)

 ANALYSIS:

I approached this poem focusing on the theme of family. Throughout George Ella Lyson's poem, she speaks about her parents, grandparents, and her family tree. So I thought I should speak about my family tree. In the first stanza, I describe where I am from and transition to describe my own household.  

 

Next, just like Lyon, I speak about my parents and the things that I was always told throughout my life. Whether it be supportive or disciplinary. 

 

In the third stanza, I wrote about my grandparents. I included the things my grandfather used to do for me (peel grapes etc.) and the songs my grandmother used to sing to me (you are my sunshine).  

 

In the end, I tied everything together about my family. I followed Lyon's structure about the dress box under the bed, but instead they are collages in my house that display moments of happiness in the family.  

 

I'm not very good at making poems but I think I did a pretty good job on this one. I think I was able to demonstrate a part of who I am.  

 

Volleyball. Love or hate the game?

Volleyball has always been a passion of mine since I was 10 years old. I have always wanted to play volleyball in college and have dreamed of playing professionally. But sadly, things change. Throughout high school, I worked very hard to get better and be able to play and start in games. With one particular coach, he saw the determination and grit I had in my eyes and granted me lots of playing time. It was the best feeling ever playing on that court. Hitting a ball and slamming it onto the floor, scoring point after point. The adrenaline rushing through my body once the ball is being set to me. I absolutely loved the game.  

 

However, everything changed when my dramatic and uncooperative team was able to push our coach right out the door, leaving us with the most terrible coach I have ever had. During the time with this coach, he played his daughter over me. I was left to be a benchwarmer and my skills put to no use. My attitude for the game made a swift 180. I dreaded practices and did not look forward to games because I knew that no matter how hard I worked, I was not going to play. And at this point, I hated the game. 

 

In my entire high school career, my team won CIF three years in a row and made it to the State finals. Although it was frustrating and discouraging not being able to play, volleyball will forever and always be a true passion of mine.  

 

 

Here is a picture of our third CIF win in a row!