To say that this has been quite a difficult week is a very big understatement. I was supposed to be finishing up my course work and graduating with my Masters. I have maintained a A average and have been very proud of my work. And then this week happened. While dealing with the stressors of life as a teacher and in my private life, I did not read carefully and botched my final project. I begged for an extension, but fairness to others prevented me from getting to turn in my work after I had fixed the issues. I am not one to ask for favors, but with something this important, I felt that I needed to. I am doubtful as to the assignment being accepted and , therefore, I will have to redo the class. A one hour class is keeping me from graduating this November. Instead I get to do the class all over again. I might add, that I received an A on all of my previous work.

How does any of this relate to a blog about literature you might ask. Well like JK Rowling’s beginning as an author was not successful, she persevered and became one of the best known writers in modern times. There are many examples of people in history who did not succeed the first time they attempted something. For example, Abraham Lincoln did not succeed when he tried to be elected for office the first time. Thomas Edison failed at making the incandescent light bulb. Poe was not always successful with his writing, but he kept writing.

All of this to say that if professionals can make mistakes and fail, I can too. They all kept working until they achieved what they set out to achieve. So I will have to swallow my pride, dig in deep, and reach for my success. I know that I can do it, but it just hurts that I came so far only to fail at the end of my masters journey.

With all of this being said, I refuse to let this one grade dictate who I am. I have put the work in, I have maintained high standards for myself, and I will come out of this stronger than before. Failure is a lesson that all humans face. Whether you are a professional lawyer, inventor, or author, you can keep going until the dream is achieved. So while this isn’t exactly a blog post about literature, it does show that the only true way to fail is to give up. So in the immortal words of Winston Churchill, “Never give in, never, never, never!”

Until next time,

Cathy