Personal Experience Essay: Learning from Life's Challenges

This essay reflects on the author's personal experience with academic setbacks and the lessons learned. The essay begins by describing the impact of receiving a D grade in a history test, which initially caused feelings of disappointment and a loss of confidence. The author then details how this experience prompted introspection and a reevaluation of their study habits and goals. The essay emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth. The author consulted with parents and teachers and adjusted their approach to studying, leading to improved grades. The essay concludes by highlighting the value of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to focus on personal goals despite external pressures. The author emphasizes that obstacles are a part of life and provides valuable lessons for self-improvement and success.

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Personal Experience

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Personal experiences are important in people’s life which assists them in learning and
developing new skills and knowledge which leads to better personal development (Gluck
and Bluck). These life experiences have taught me that obstacles are fundamental to later
success and people should learn from these obstacles so that they can improve themselves.
The obstacles which I have faced in life had shown me who I am along with my strengths
and weaknesses. Obstacles teach us how to focus on what is important in life which makes
us tougher.
Getting a D is one of the worst things which no one wants to see, let alone put it on a
college application. I received D grade in one of the first history test in the school which
makes me think about my life. I am not a D student; I have received occasional C as well as
A; however, I have never received D. This grade was enough of a stomach punch for me to
get my attention on the issue. I was worried about what my parents, teachers and peers will
think about me. I started to think about the mistakes which I made in the semester which
lead to this grade. It was a first D in my life, and this obstacle made me lose my confidence. I
started to study even less and procrastinate more regarding what would happen to me if I
continue to receive similar grades. However, I later realised that this is not a healthy attitude
and I started to think about myself and my academic career.
I realised that with this start, I might not be able to get into my dream college. I have to
overcome this obstacle in order to become confident so that I can pass my subjects with
excellent grades. I begin to evaluate factors due to which I scored a lower grade. I realised
that since it was the first test, I was not interesting in studying. I thought that this is just the
beginning and I should relax rather than focusing too much on studies. However, this
obstacle or failure made me realise that in order to achieve success, I should never stop
focusing on my goal. These small steps lead the path to success without which I cannot
achieve my desired goals. This setback affected me in a positive manner which encouraged
me to start focusing on my goals. I consult with my parents and teachers who gave me
advice that I should not lose my confidence.
Obstacles are a part of life which teaches us our strengths and weaknesses which are
important for us to understand so that we become a better version of ourselves (Bryan et al.
80-91). I started focusing on my goals and work harder to achieve them. I realised that I

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should not think what others might think of me if I did not perform as per their
expectations. I taught me not to procrastinate and focus on my goals from the beginning
without which I cannot achieve better results. After this setback, I learned my lesson, and I
receive only A and B grades in the upcoming tests.

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Works Cited
Bryan, Christopher J., et al. "Overcoming behavioral obstacles to escaping
poverty." Behavioral Science & Policy 3.1 (2017): 80-91.
Gluck, Judith, and Susan Bluck. The scientific study of personal wisdom. Springer, Dordrecht,
2013.