Topic selected: "Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story."

Story Of A Wallflower

All through my life, I was characterized as the shy girl who blended into the background like a wallflower. I never did the talking and let the others talk. It was not that I did not have anything to say, but I found it difficult on every level to vocalize my thoughts. I always feared what others would say, think or what if I failed etc. It was a never-ending list of 'what-ifs'. It grew to such an extent that I would avoid instances where I had to face people like competitions, student council interviews, elections etc. What I did not realize was that over time, the fear had become a bubble in which I was trapped and could not get out. Teachers and friends had started assuming that I had nothing to say.

I realized that the only way to get my place in the society's pyramid was by doing the work assigned to me to the best of my capabilities and having excellent manners. I inculcated both in myself that I became someone whom all teachers and students depended on to get the work done.

The turning point of my life came, when I decided that it was time for me to burst the bubble and face my fear of facing people. In Grade 10, I decided to join the student council of the school. It was a long process that included an interview by the coordinator and other teachers. The day they called us for interview, I was terrified. I felt like I was slipping back into the bubble without actually taking a step forward. But an old teacher of mine had told me these words which I will never forget for the many years to come -" The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure." I entered the room for the interview and as I feared, I