When you ask me what failure is...

My first thought is, "Umm, do you really want to hear about my whole life?"

A little kidding, but a little real. Because the truth is, I think I am my own worst enemy.

When I think about failure, I reflect on my most recent task and question, "Did I meet the expectation?" " Is what I said good enough?" And then the deeper question hits, "Was I good enough today or in that last task?" These thoughts could go on endlessly. I know where they stem from: a place of vulnerability, deeply rooted in self-doubt and my greatest weakness--perfectionism.

For a long time, I believed perfectionism was a strength. But applying to graduate school and going to class, I realized it's not. It impacts my abilities negatively. While I can adapt to situations and conflicts, I tend to reflect on them for days, hours, even months. This endless reflection often paralyzes me, keeping me from moving forward.

However, awareness is the first step to change. Graduate school was where my true awareness began—not just self-awareness, but a deeper awareness of being present and understanding what it means to me. It all started with my application process.

I have grown since then, but I’m far from finished. My journey through vulnerabilities continues, shaping me into who I am becoming—unapologetically and authentically myself.