By Kai-Lou Yue
News Editor
There are many different definitions of failure; some are succinct, while others are more abstract. The person you’re sitting next to could have a completely contrasting definition of failure than you, except no one really talks about what they think failure is. The topic is a touchy one, especially since one person’s definition could offend another.
Most people are scared of failing because they view it as an insurmountable obstacle they are unable to recover from. I’ve heard people define failure as the point where one gives up completely, because the person will never get up, move forward, and continue to try improving.
On the other hand, many people use the word failing in casual conversation. In the hallways of our own academy, a refrain commonly heard in passing is a joking, “I failed that test,” or “I’m going to fail this quiz,” even when the person didn’t really fail. At that point, failing is merely an conceptual idea, as the person knows they didn’t really fail; they are only making light of the fact they may not have done as well as they wanted.
However, academically, actual failure can be difficult to define, even though a definition of “below a percentage of 64” is technically given by the school. Some people go by the school’s definition of failure, while other people consider a grade of below an A- or a B+ to be a personal failure. For these people, it is not the idea of failing that is worrisome, but instead the idea that they are unable to reach their goal of a certain grade.
Outside of academics, people also have varying definitions of failure. Most people consider their successes and failures to be defined by how well they do in comparison to others, such as whether they got first place or 30th place, or how many games they won.
For me, in both academics and sports, I consider failure to be when I don’t reach my goals. It doesn’t matter how well I did in comparison to other people, or what placing or grade I got; if I hit my goal, then I personally have succeeded. However, no one can constantly achieve their goals, and as a result, I have failed numerous times.
Like most people, I am afraid of failure, but I don’t let that dictate what risks I take, and I continue to strive towards my goals. I use failure as a way to motivate myself to do better, and to improve myself.
Failure sounds like a harsh word, and people try to avoid it at all costs, but it’s really more of a stepping stone than a setback. Students at WA who fear failure in either academics, sports, or both, should remember that failure is not necessarily defeat.
