College Admissions Essay: The Fear Of Failure

Most people simply think of fear as what people are afraid of. However, it is so much more than than. Have you ever been afraid of something? This was likely shaped by past experiences.

When I sat down and read this prompt, I thought it was the worst prompt that could ever put on the list because it made me feel so vulnerable and weak. I was asking myself why would I admit to people, especially college admission officers that I had actually failed at something, not just one but plethora? I thought wouldn’t they look down on me for that, knowing that I’m not always successful at what I do? At the same I thought to myself, what is Failure? Is it not measuring up to standards or simply making an attempt without achieving the desired outcome?

What do we fear? Our own self’s fear many conditions in life, but can be overcome. Fear is caused by the unexpected, for example personally we all fear losing our jobs or not being able to pay the rent. However what we mostly fear is our mind. It builds fear into us; it creates an image of what could occur. It makes you think and think over and over. Nevertheless what we fear the most is our self’s.

“Though he was afraid, he now knew that fear came in many degrees and types and peculiar categories, and he knew that his fear now was not as bad as it had been in the hot afternoon, when poor Billy Boy Watkins got killed by a heart attack.” Fear comes in many levels, some of these levels are hard for people to endure without going crazy. This is one of the toughest topics to talk about, because no one wants to admit to being afraids. However, at one time or another people are scared of something and some people are frightened more often than others.

To a sixth grade Gabrielle Norris, talking to an entire school at a pep rally would have been impossible. To an eighth grade Gabrielle Norris, dressing like a princess and standing on a football field to be recognized would have been preposterous. As a senior now, I wish I had done the things that I wanted to do in my intermediate and early secondary school years. I was holding myself back. I was unhappy because of my circumstance, but did not know how to talk about it. Social anxiety runs within my family’s genetics, but I overcame it with a simple speech that changed my life forever.

Fear is a natural emotion. Many try to suppress their fears to no avail. While others say they fear nothing, some learn to live with their fear.

There will always be something new to fear, but you can't let that hold you back. What if you don't ever take a risk and miss out on something that can change your life forever!? Although fear has its bads, you can always learn from

Throughout my life, people have told me many times "Success is no accident." I never quite understood what all the fuss was about. To me being successful was absolute. Something you either had or you didn't. For a while things were looking good for me. Everything changed though, when I saw a 38 on my UIL History test. This horrific failure ripped at the very fabric of my existence, however it taught me an invaluable lesson in hard work and focus.

Everyone has their own fears in life. Some people fear a certain type of animal, while others might fear losing a loved one. About three years ago, I had many fears that I still have today. Such as a deathly fear of heights, the thought of not being good enough, and lastly the fear of failure.

The obstacles we face in life have ways of shaping and molding us into the people we become in the future. Depression and anxiety are issues that I still continue to deal with to this day. Yet, through years of self healing, I have been able to reveal a tenacious side of myself that I had no idea even existed. These issues stem from relentless bullying I experienced throughout middle school. I felt as if I was not worthy of respect like everyone else around me. Going to school day after day with people who detested my existence was unbearable. It was like walking into a lion's den wearing a necklace constructed of nothing more than meat. On many occasions walked in on conversations that I was the topic of. Eighth grade brought me the most turmoil.

One morning while getting ready for work I start asking myself it’s this what I want do I want to keep working for temporary services.to work this month and be laid off they next but what can I do I’m too old to try to start college or to do something different why not just stick with what you know then I stumbled across a great quote ‘’you are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream(C.S Lewis) I knew after I read that I had to do more with my life if I ever wanted to be happy .I had thing to figure out what was I looking forward too was I prepared for this would my fears stop me from advancing in life.

As a young girl I have always had a constant fear residing inside of me. Growing up I was never the loud outgoing kid. I was reserved and hated being the center of attention. I had what many would call social anxiety. People think social anxiety is just being shy, reserved or depressed. But they don't understand what goes on inside the mind of a person who's constantly scared of rejection, messing up or being judged. They assume that if they can't see it it's not really there. Over the course of my life, I have faced many challenges but through them all I am still standing.

“You never realize how good you have it until what you have is gone.” That is the lesson I learned the hard way. Sports have taught me more than I could have ever imagined; however my mind flashes back to one moment quite often. I cringe thinking of the experience and weep at the thought of it happening to my teammates. Experiences contribute to our growth mentally, spiritually, and physically, and I associate a large portion of my growth as an individual and a basketball player to a knee injury I suffered my freshman year of high school.

When doubt and fear lend darkness to my sight, When all the world seems bleak and passing gray, I know my faith and heart can cast a light, And give me once again a hope of day. For what could be much greater than a flame, That’s born and loved and tended from a spark? What greater thing than hope could thus be named, And save us from the threat of lasting dark?

Fears get in the way of people's lives. Les Brown was once quoted saying, “Too many of us are not living because we are living our fears.” Everyone deals with fears, it just comes down to how you handle them.