Take the challenge! Face your fears!; UBC- Significant Challenge

Explain how you responded to a significant challenge that you have encountered and what you learned in the process. (maximum 200 words)

Take the challenge. Face your fears. Such words are easier said than done. Yet when it is time to be in the spotlight, people tend to shrivel up. Unfortunately due to my pessimistic and timid personality, I was faced with this challenge countless times. However in grade 11, my friend and I chose to take part in the annual school celebration performance. Months prior to the performance, we practiced day and night until our piano duet was flawless. On the night of the performance, I realized the amount of audience that would be witnessing our performance and that left me full of anxiety. Unlike my friend, I had little to no experience when it comes to performing in front of peers, parents, and teachers. My whole body was shaking and there were "butterflies in my stomach" due to the unfamiliar environment. Nonetheless, the show must go on and I had to overcome my fear. Walking up on stage proved to be extremely difficult, but as soon I press the first note on the keyboard. I felt the hesitant and tense feeling just wash away. That was when I knew that I had overcome my fear with tenacity and perseverance.

I think omitting the comment on your "pessimistic" and "timid" characteristics would be wise. Colleges don't want students that aren't willing to put themselves out there, so to speak, and certainly dont want negativity in incoming students. I think the bit on perseverance and tenacity is a keeper, only more depth is needed. I was left wondering what allowed you to overcome this fear of performing? Was it practicing until you were nauseous? Was it simply sucking it up? Also, what did you learn from the situation as a whole? I realized you are constrained by word count, but certianly something to think about.