Blog Post #3

 Hello!

This blog post is a little tough because I'm not sure exactly what to write.

I suppose I should start out by mentioning that I've had a kind of rough 2 weeks academically. I got extremely overwhelmed with the amount of work in my classes. Despite putting almost 100% focus on a single class to complete an assignment, I did not finish and ended up failing the assignment. Despite trying to study as much as I could for the midterm in that same class, I did poorly on the exam. I'm not quite at the point of no return in the class, but it is at the point where continuing is likely not worth the risk. 

After reading "Daring Greatly" I always catch myself saying what Dr. Brown wrote in her book: "What is shame? Shame is putting in as much effort and time as I think I can muster and still failing..."

However, giving up isn't an option for me so despite the shame I feel about likely having to withdraw, I will try the class again, and take it until I pass. 

As uninspiring as I feel, I think about Dr. Brown's Ted talk, when she asked people in the crowd if they thought people who admit their vulnerabilities are courageous (at least I think that's what she asked?) and I remind myself that it is. And the fact that I don't plan on giving up is also inspirational. So I suppose that has kept me going so far!

I think I'd try to remind people in my position that just because you fail, doesn't mean you should give up. Failing has showed me what I should do differently the next time. Coding is hard and struggling is normal. Chances are if you are struggling, other people are also. Not to mention, I think many people drop at least 1 or 2 classes in college. It happens, and it shouldn't make us feel like failures.

And on a lighter note: if you have to retake a class again, it will at least be easier the second time around!

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