I was once failed too

Since childhood, I've always been the type of person who hates losing. However, life is unpredictable, and we never know how it will surprise us at each step. Until I reached grade 12, I had never experienced a significant failure.

One day, while we were in class, our discipline in charge came in and encouraged us to participate in a quiz competition. I was excited because I had been involved in such competitions since childhood. I told my friend that we would easily beat the students from another section. Later, I found out that the competition would be regional, involving top colleges from across the country. My excitement grew even more. The contest was organized by HISSAN. While we usually participated in intra-college competitions, this was going to be an inter-college event.

Our college selected me as one of the candidates to represent us, as I had consistently ranked first in the intra-college quiz competitions. We had only two days to prepare. Initially, I doubted whether I could get ready in such a short time, but with encouragement from my parents and seniors, I decided to participate. I began studying quiz books and researching the latest discoveries, which boosted my confidence, as many of the questions in the books were already familiar to me.

Finally, the big day arrived, and we were taken to the laboratory school for the competition. We were thrilled, especially since the event would be broadcast on national television. The management stream went first, and their round proceeded smoothly. After their turn, it was our turn—the science stream. When I stepped onto the stage, I felt nervous and frozen. The TV host spoke with me, encouraging me and asking about my name and hobbies. I told him I loved singing and playing the guitar, and he asked me to perform. I sang “Numb” by Linkin Park, and one of the judges, a well-known singer from Nepal, was in the audience. I was honored to sing in front of my favorite singer, and when I finished, the applause lifted my spirits.

Then came my turn to answer five important questions.

The first question was easy: “Which bird symbolizes peace?” I remembered a visit to the Manakamana temple, where pigeons flew around. My father had told me they were symbols of peace. I confidently answered “pigeon,” and the VJ confirmed it was correct, followed by applause.

The second question was a bit trickier: “What is the name of the element used in flashlights?” I recalled our teacher mentioning magnesium in our chemistry class, so I answered “Mg,” and the VJ confirmed it was right.

The third question was, “What is the name of the plant family where the roots are nodulated?” I remembered studying Leguminosae (pea) in botany, so I answered “Leguminosae,” and the VJ agreed it was correct, prompting more applause.

At this point, the atmosphere was becoming more intense since my opponent had also answered five questions correctly. If I answered all of mine correctly, we would tie.

The fourth question was more difficult: “What is the name of the compound K2Cr2O7?” I remembered our chemistry teacher mentioning that potassium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent, so I answered, “potassium dichromate,” and the VJ confirmed it was correct, which impressed everyone.

Then came the fifth and toughest question: “Who discovered fluorine gas?” My mind went blank. I tried to recall the details of our chemistry lessons about the halogen family and fluorine, but I couldn’t remember who discovered it. I was stumped and said, “PASS.”

Everyone felt sorry for me, as I had come so close. Winning the competition would have earned me a $40,000 scholarship, but I had failed. I grabbed my chemistry book and looked up the answer when I got home. In 1886, Henry Moissan first prepared fluorine through the electrolysis of potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride.

That moment taught me an invaluable lesson. I realized that many students, including myself, were too focused on exams and grades without taking the time to learn beyond the syllabus. I had been one of them until that day, and it completely changed my perspective on learning.

Though I had experienced a major failure, it made me stronger and more determined. It taught me to be focused and meticulous in everything I do. Since then, I have approached all my tasks with a resolute and careful mindset. This failure remains one of the most significant turning points in my life, as it taught me a lesson I will never forget.