The Path To Success Essay Example

Ambitions drive people to do their best, and to always aim for success. Throughout my journey to success, I experienced many challenges and failures that defined me as a person. These significant achievements in my life required me to give everything that I have—my skills, my knowledge, and my sweat and tears. 

Before I entered high school, I once wished to have my own tarpaulins hung on the windows of our school. I told my mother that, one day, I will have my achievements known by many people. From grade 9 up until grade 12, I have been consistently joining international mathematics competitions. I have won the Merit award, Bronze medal, and Silver medal. I have been to Singapore, Malaysia, and China. My determination and passion to bring home awards are always there. These contests taught me to always aim high, and to never be complacent of my skills. Additionally, I learned how to appreciate other people’s culture and tradition. The customs and traditions I observed, have never failed to amaze me. I was able to compare the beauty and richness between these countries which, later, made me realize how beautiful the Philippines is.

Aside from math contests, I have competed in various research competitions. While doing research, I became knowledgeable of the issues our country is experiencing. I was eager to provide solutions to existing problems through science and technology. Furthermore, the studies I have done have taught me to have patience. There were times where the outcomes are not what I was expecting. I conducted hundreds of trials before I got the desired result. Research is very exhausting and tiring that sometimes I want to give up. I almost lost hope when my family could not support me financially. I experienced crying and getting frustrated, but I never gave up. I always remind myself of the reasons why I chose this path. These contests remind me of my purposes-to improve myself, to help my family, to contribute to society, and to showcase the talents that God has given me.

But behind every success, there are failed and sorrowful stories. When I was in grade 7, I was not able to join the mathematics training sessions. We do not have the money to support my training. At that time, I was devastated because I could no longer achieve my dream. Last February 2020, my father died due to heart failure. It was hard for me to continue the promises I told my father. I lost my will and passion to continue giving my best. I would sometimes put pressure to myself that I could no longer accept failure. As time goes by, I am reminded by my friends and loved ones that failure is a part of success. I realized that if my father is still alive, he will not be happy. These events are just mountains that I must overcome. I started holding on to this quote, “When you get what you want, that’s God’s direction. When you don’t get what you want, that’s God’s protection.”

In conclusion, for every outcome, there is a lesson that will help define us as a person. Whether it is big or small, this event can make a change. Whether you fail or succeed, this event can hone you to become a better version of yourself. Do not stay from where you are, always aim for growth. Do not be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. Even if you fail, you tried and that is enough.