From Falling to Rising: A Journey of Self-Improvement
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Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Transformation
In a recent discussion, my brother inquired, “What led to your transformation from being average in math to excelling? What changed?” This question sparked a reflection worth sharing.
When I first entered my third year (J.S.S. 3), my initial term ranking was 17th out of 19 students. Although this was far from impressive, it didn't particularly distress me. However, everything changed during the second term when I received a 0 on a math test. Our math teacher humorously illustrated my score with sad eyes and ears drawn around the zero. Typically, after tests, students would eagerly compare scores, but I dreaded revealing mine. I retreated to my dorm bed and wept until sleep took over. Waking up that night, I wished it had all been a dream, but the reality was unavoidable, and my shame lingered, crippling my confidence in conversations with classmates.
At that moment, I resolved to challenge the top two students in my class, motivated by a sense of competition. It was just before midterm break when I borrowed math textbooks from a classmate who had kept them in excellent condition. During the two-week break, I committed myself to studying extensively, covering each topic and concept in detail. I diligently worked through all the exercises and read the three textbooks from start to finish.
Upon returning from the break, we had our second test, and I achieved a perfect score of 100%. This was the first time I experienced the rewarding fruits of hard work. The news of my achievement spread like wildfire among my peers, transforming into an inspiring narrative of triumph. Upon entering S.S.1 (Senior Secondary School), I was required to register for all 17 subjects in the first term before selecting my focus area. This term was notoriously challenging, with a passing grade set at 49%. However, I managed to elevate my average to 79%. While many of my peers aimed merely to avoid failure, I set my sights on scoring at least 80% in every subject. I achieved perfect scores in my math and further math tests, and consistently scored in the 90th percentile in other quantitative subjects like physics.
This journey taught me that with sufficient effort, I could accomplish any goal I set. Excellence became a lifestyle choice.
Chapter 2: Embracing Failure as a Teacher
Receiving a 0% on a math test was a significant setback, but why do we experience such falls? They serve as valuable lessons on how to rise again. The crucial factor is not the depth of the fall but the height of the rebound.
"The greatest successes come from having the freedom to fail." — Mark Zuckerberg
Putting It All Together
We often concentrate on advanced concepts that can be challenging to grasp. The most effective way to excel is to understand the fundamentals thoroughly. I discovered essential math principles by revisiting the basics. Once you grasp foundational concepts, learning more complex topics becomes simpler and quicker. This approach even allows you to develop your own advanced skills. For instance, if you aspire to master any JavaScript framework like Angular, React, or Node, a solid understanding of JavaScript itself is imperative.
"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." While many would assume my proficiency in math stems from innate talent, it was actually the result of extensive effort, evolving from a novice to someone skilled in math.
"The heights reached by great men were not attained by sudden flight; they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Ultimately, with enough dedication, we can become whatever we aspire to be.