Mistakes help you to grow
Noa Coox, St Andrew’s Catholic College, Year 12 (2017)
MY name is Noa and I made a lot mistakes in Year 12.
I’m not here to just tell a story. There has to be a message right? So here it is.
Take risks and, most importantly, make mistakes.
Let yourself make mistakes because that’s the only way you’re going to get better.
Michael Kerr, author of The Humour Advantage, once said: “Mistakes are life’s feedback — they are research; they are part of your education. If you aren’t ever making any mistakes, then chances are you aren’t taking any risks or trying anything new.”
But don’t take this the wrong way. Don’t take the risk of missing the bus and miss school. I mean, take a risk by raising your hand to answer a question. Take a risk by contributing to class discussions. Take a risk by honestly just admitting you don’t understand something.
And if you feel embarrassed, or if you answer wrong, just remind yourself that it’s just an area for you to focus on and to practice.
I’ve sure had my fair share of wrong answers and stupid questions. But in the end, that’s what made me learn.
Everyone, this year, I challenge you to own your mistakes. Don’t be embarrassed. Every one of us makes mistakes, you just don’t see it all the time.
I probably looked like I had