marissaW
Nov 25, 2009
Undergraduate / UC Essay #2 - Finding Strength Through Rejection [4]
Any Suggestions on how to improve?
Thanks!
Prompt:
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
Rejection is a double-edged sword. When handled passively, it can make one less likely to take risks in the future. But, when handled as an obstacle to overcome, rejection can lead to discovering one's true potential.
As I sat in the humid, musky gym, my coach explained to me that my tumbling was not consistent enough. I listened in shock as she told be I would be an alternate for the cheerleading team. This was the second year in a row I was chosen as alternate, but this time around it stung so much worse. I had fully expected to be on the competition team for my senior year of Varsity cheer. Confused and upset, I felt I was truly deserving of a spot on the competition team. After a few days of feeling angry about my situation, I made a commitment to myself that I would work until I proved to my coach that I was worthy of a spot on the team.
During workouts, I was extremely motivated and always worked with my full effort. I practiced tumbling until my knees were scraped and bruised. To increase my stamina and strength, I ran and went to the gym on my own time. At times, I became frustrated and was almost ready to give up on my goal. I questioned if all of my hard work would ever pay off. Despite my frustrations, I continued my efforts and improved my skills. After about two months of hard work, my coaches noticed that I was outperforming some of my teammates. A decision was made by the coaches that I would replace one of the girls on the competition team, and all of a sudden, my struggles were worthwhile.
When faced with challenges in life, one must decide to either accept defeat or to take action. My experiences with my cheerleading team have shown me that I am a strong and self-motivated person. By working my way from alternate to competitor, I have discovered my ability to persevere through rejection.
Any Suggestions on how to improve?
Thanks!
Prompt:
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
Rejection is a double-edged sword. When handled passively, it can make one less likely to take risks in the future. But, when handled as an obstacle to overcome, rejection can lead to discovering one's true potential.
As I sat in the humid, musky gym, my coach explained to me that my tumbling was not consistent enough. I listened in shock as she told be I would be an alternate for the cheerleading team. This was the second year in a row I was chosen as alternate, but this time around it stung so much worse. I had fully expected to be on the competition team for my senior year of Varsity cheer. Confused and upset, I felt I was truly deserving of a spot on the competition team. After a few days of feeling angry about my situation, I made a commitment to myself that I would work until I proved to my coach that I was worthy of a spot on the team.
During workouts, I was extremely motivated and always worked with my full effort. I practiced tumbling until my knees were scraped and bruised. To increase my stamina and strength, I ran and went to the gym on my own time. At times, I became frustrated and was almost ready to give up on my goal. I questioned if all of my hard work would ever pay off. Despite my frustrations, I continued my efforts and improved my skills. After about two months of hard work, my coaches noticed that I was outperforming some of my teammates. A decision was made by the coaches that I would replace one of the girls on the competition team, and all of a sudden, my struggles were worthwhile.
When faced with challenges in life, one must decide to either accept defeat or to take action. My experiences with my cheerleading team have shown me that I am a strong and self-motivated person. By working my way from alternate to competitor, I have discovered my ability to persevere through rejection.