26A - Celebrating Failure

1) Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time. 

I have failed on a multiple occasions throughout my life. Specifically this semester, I am failing to graduate "on time" as an accounting student. Through my critical tracking and comparison with my peers, I should be graduating within 3.5 years and in Fall 2019. I could have graduated this semester, but I choose not to for a multiple of reasons. With this, I learned the Masters of Accountancy program is 1.5 years and would take longer for me to complete and interfere with my internship/working timeline.

2) Tell us what you learned from it.  

From me stepping back and realizing pursuing a Masters in Accounting at UF is realistically not an option, I started to explore other paths. I learned I can obtain a Masters in Information Systems and still sit for the CPA. I learned I can obtain a Masters in Accountancy somewhere else and it will only take 1 year to do so. Our world and environment can many times place one goal, idea, or concept in a person's mind. Despite this, one needs to step back and consider all the factors. Think more about life in regards to systems not goals! In failing, one needs to access their options, what they learned from the situation, and how they can move forward.

3) Reflect, in general, on what you think about failure. Failure is hard, isn't it? It's embarrassing, sure, but it also means that we have to change something about ourselves. Talk about how you handle failure (emotionally, behaviorally). Finally, talk about how this class has changed your perspective on failure -- are you more likely to take a risk now than you were just a few months ago?

I am proud for the moments I have failed. Despite the resulting consequence not being exactly what I desired in the moment, I put myself out there, learned about myself and others, and developed a positive mindset about the circumstances. From this, I have become an advocate for failing and believing "failure is an option." In regards to involvement, I have applied for leadership positions and did not obtain them for multiple of political factors. When applying I knew my chances were slim, but I still believed I was the most qualified candidate and knew I had an obligation to uphold to myself to apply. After receiving the rejection, I took a step back, to a breathe, and moved on to see what I could do next to better myself and the world positively. I am a firm believer in sliver linings. A couple months later, swamped in Accounting studies and recruiting for the Big 4, I received a phone call about stepping into the role of the leadership position I applied for. The winning candidate was asked to step down. Proud of my failure and knowing my life was too busy for this involvement opportunity, I did not accept their offer. Having this experience gives me the confidence to take risk and to trust whatever happens, happens for a reason. This class and reading "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big" by Scott Adams gave me more confidence in how I handle failure and how I can still win big from my life trails.  From the book I learned more on how failure needs to be embraced, learned, and leveraged to aid to future success. With these life lessons, Adams elaborates on his beliefs to stay motivated, fit, healthy, and happy will being slapped in the face when hit with a hard no. I live out many of his explained practices which gives me a positive outlook on life.