Life is a perpetual oscillation between "hard" times and "good" times. I had not experienced any "hard" time until I was 17, for I had got all I has wanted and wished for. I was good in academics, scored an excellent and a rare 92% (aggregate) in 10th grade exam and got a placement in XYZ School - the most remarkable achievement. So when I first came to XYZ School I was a little overjoyed and had taken it for granted that my life would be as easy for ever. But everything changed - including me- after 11 mid-year examination.
It was the first major exam after my 10th grade exam and I got a 'mere' 67%. Never in my life had I got less than 75% or ranked below 5 but suddenly I dropped to 67% and ranked in 20's. I had failed. The fall from 92% to 67% struck me like a blow. I was not furious rather I was unable to figure out my flaws. What didn't I do that others did? Where did I slip? Moreover, my friends doubted if I had scored 92% without using unfair means. The 92% that made me so popular suddenly became shameful. My life had turned upside-down.
I had fallen into a pit but at that time I had not expected to make my way out. And the fall, so sudden, so unforeseen and so devastating, had shattered my dreams and also my parents' trust on me. It was then I realized that life is not a smooth sail; one needs to be prepared for disasters and despairs. It was not the end though, in fact it was a beginning of a new me.
I refused to mull over my weakness rather I began to work from scratch because I knew I could do a lot better. I examined my answer sheets, indentified my deficiencies and worked persistently to overcome them. It was not an easy task and neither did I achieve a drastic improvement but slowly and gradually my grades got better; I began to sense the sweetness of my tenacious efforts. In the 11 final exam I got decent grades. Finally in grade 12 final exam I scored respectable marks.
Today when I look back I see that 67% as a bent that I failed to notice and hence got off the road. But I am glad that, in my efforts to get back, I learned so many valuable lessons. I may have got similar grades had I not got 67% but 67% is worth the lessons that I leaned and the experience that I went through. A defeat in a battle does not matter if it, in some way, contributes to win a war. In my case, the defeat won me the war. And I learnt very important lesson: The greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.
In the future I will fail several times but I will never let despairs and failures keep me from what I want to achieve.
Please help me improve this essay!
My friend in personal statements, you should always focus on your strengths. You should mention the bright aspect of your experience. You should also convince those who are looking at your application that you can be a successful candidate if you are admitted.
