Is this a safe subject to write about for the Common App essay?

<p>The prompt: Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?</p>

<p>My plan right now is to write about how I consider my early high school years to be a failure (Because I only got average grades and didn't push myself) and how insecure it has made me about my future. Then I want to talk about how I've come to realize that the only thing you can change in life is the future, and that there's no use in letting your past stop you. Lastly, I'd like to also say that I have a fire inside of me dedicated to making coming years as bright as possible rather than let my mistakes ruin everything. </p>

<p>Does this sound too cliche? If I make it very well written, do you feel it'd be seen as unique or different?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for everyone's input :)</p>