Imagine a 20-year-old woman, almost in her prime, labouring in her studies at university, getting ready for opportunities in the so-called “real world.” She’s bright eyed, eager to learn and open doors for employment. She’s still very young but ecstatic to taste bits of reality in her new apartment. However, she’s still anxious and has to remember one thing that she’s learned in life: to persevere and never give up.

Who is she, one might ask? She’s you, she’s me, and she’s every woman or man in this world. But for this article, we’ll think of her from a personal point of view. I’ll refer to her as myself but my story can apply to the life of many others’.

In order to improve my writing skills as well as gain experience in the field of article writing, a fellow writer and a friend of mine suggested I send my work to different companies to be published. At first I was quite scared, shocked and a bit humbled that she’d present such a huge idea. However, I began to think about it and it became more appealing to me. I may still be young, but I’ve had many experiences that led me to remember to keep stepping out of my comfort zone, no matter the outcome.

I’m the kind of person that enjoys trying new things, but doesn’t like failure or rejection, which causes me to be a bit cautious when doing something for the first time. During my childhood and teen years, I’ve applied and auditioned for numerous things. My first audition was for the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. I auditioned with my trumpet for three years in a row, with no luck in acceptance. They encouraged me to continue practicing and told me that they admired my persistence. By the third time, they told me that I had a gift, but lacked basic technique. Even though I received another no I was incredibly joyful that they told me I had a gift! Those three auditions taught me that even the experience of auditioning is a success and failure happens if one refuses to give an honest effort. I could definitely add that one to my imaginary success list.

A few times, I participated in pageants in and around the province of New Brunswick. My past two pageants, Miss and Miss Teen New Brunswick, were full of great friendships and wonderful memories. Even if I didn’t get a trophy and a sash, I learned some valuable things from those weeks. I learned that being a lady and a title holder means carrying yourself with dignity and pride, and that beauty and success do not come from a scholarship or a sash, they come from within. I also made some wonderful friends with the most beautiful of personalities. They used their titles to help their communities in every way possible.

I consider these experiences to be lessons well learned. Even though I could go on and on about the ways that I didn’t actually get the result I wanted, there were also situations where it did work out in my favour. Applying and being accepted to the university of my choice (on a scholarship, may I add) was the result of all the hard work I have done in my life. In high school, I was chosen to be a torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics! This was all due to my perseverance, which inspired the lives of many people. At my high school graduation, I was awarded a bursary for “A Student Displaying Perseverance.” I was touched by this gesture, as I really wasn’t aware of how much other people saw my determination. It felt wonderful to be recognized in such a way that wasn’t based on success, but for trying and never giving up.

As I’m continuing my studies at university, I keep that principle in mind every day. If I don’t get the spot in the musical I wanted, I keep trying. If my grades don’t come back as strong as I’d like them to be, I continue on, improving my weaknesses and learning from each and every paper or test I get back. Because of my stubbornness and my desire to not give up, not ever, I end up being rewarded in some way, be it good grades, a spot in the glee club or choir, a promotion, or even a small recognition from an instructor or supervisor. I’m sure many of you have similar stories, and can either relate to this story or learn from it. If I could ask you to take just one thing away from this piece, it would be this: no matter what happens, good or bad, never, ever give up.
  Submitted By: Carolyn Simon