“There are no mistakes in life, just lessons”
Have you ever thought about the person you wanted to become when you were young? The person who would make a difference in the world, following their passions and making their dreams come true? It's something that most of us think about at some point in our lives, and it can be both exciting and overwhelming. When I was in high school, I remember feeling like I had to choose one career out of all the things I enjoyed doing. It was a daunting task, to say the least. But looking back on it now, I realize that every step of my journey was a lesson, not a mistake. And that's something that I want to share with you.
I remember when I was a senior in high school, enjoying my last year of carefree adolescence when the reality of college hit me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, I was faced with the daunting task of choosing one career path out of all the hobbies and interests I enjoyed. How was I supposed to know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? Like most kids, I had entertained a variety of career aspirations growing up - astronaut, u.s. army, dentist, CIA analyst, writer - but they were all just that, fleeting interests. Nothing had ever truly grabbed hold of me and made me feel like I had found my calling. So when it came time to choose a college major, I was at a loss. I had a vague interest in photography, so I applied to NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, hoping that my love of capturing people on film would translate into a fulfilling career. But when I was denied admission to NYU, I was left feeling lost. I had no backup plan, and no other ideas for what I wanted to do.
It was only when I was accepted to two other universities with great scholarships that I began to consider other options. I stumbled upon fashion, and it felt like a natural fit. It wasn't a passion of mine, but it was something that I enjoyed and felt like I could excel in. Looking back on that time in my life, I realize now that the missteps I made along the way were all valuable lessons. I learned that it's perfectly fine to not have all the answers, and that sometimes life can throw you a curveball, and it's up to you to make the most of it. I learned that the things we want for ourselves may take time to materialize. After graduating from college, I landed a career in the tech industry by reconnecting with my interest in software while building my website for my online shop. I got involved in Miami's tech scene, my career took off and I caught Adobe's attention.
Eventually, my career choice was made for me through different stages of my life, and it will continue to evolve. The truth is that the only thing preventing us from making decisions is often our reluctance to take risks. As individuals, we have varied interests and passions that change with different stages of our lives. With so many options available, it becomes essential to choose the right moment to either stay on course or make a change. And, life is not about making the perfect choice every time. It's about taking risks by making decisions and learning from your experiences. The challenges we face in life are not setbacks, but opportunities to grow and become better versions of ourselves. We should embrace them, not fear them. I know it can be hard to see the silver lining in tough situations but trust me when I say that every lesson learned is a step forward toward your goals.
Embracing mistakes as lessons can have several inspiring benefits. It can help you develop a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than roadblocks. You can become more resilient and persistent in the face of adversity. It can also foster a culture of continuous learning, where we are always seeking to improve ourselves and others. Finally, it can help us to be more empathetic and understanding towards others, as we recognize that they too are learning and growing through their own mistakes and challenges.
