Anna Reid W.

If you’re reading this, try it again. 

If you’re reading this, try it again. And no, I don’t mean it in a cliché sense of “never give up on your dreams” or “just keep moving forward” but at the same time, I do. 

We all have dreams… dream lifestyles, dream jobs, etc. I think to a certain extent, goals and dreams are the sole things that keep us going. But just because something doesn’t work out the first time doesn’t mean it won’t again in the future. And in the waiting, you may face something else that is so much brighter. 

My entire life, my dream was to be a Clemson Cheerleader. I spent what felt like my whole life preparing for that moment. When I didn’t make the team at the end of my senior year of high school, I felt like I would have no purpose at Clemson without cheer - the thing I worked so hard to achieve. Going back through the tryout process again was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And looking back on it now, it made the second time around so much more rewarding. 

Because I couldn’t cheer my freshman year, I was able to spend time nurturing friendships that, for the first time in my life, I got to choose myself, rather than being forced into them by a coach. I got to join a sorority that has poured into me every single day for the past three years. I learned more about myself during my freshman year of college than I have in any other year of my life, and if it weren’t for that setback, I would not be the person I am today. 

I know that it can be difficult to try something again after failing. I have faced more failures in my three years of college than I knew what to deal with, but failure creates growth. So if you’re feeling like running from your failure, you’re only running towards your fear. Stop and turn in the other direction. But while you’re waiting on the opportunity to present itself again, look around. There may be even greater blessings staring you in the face. 

Anna Reid W., Clemson University

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