<p>I need it done by tomorrow and my brain is totally fried today!! Helpp!</p>
<p>In life, everyone experiences a moment that helps them realize who they are, or decide who they want to be. Mine is not the happiest of moments, but I know that the impact it had on my life will one day lead to many happy moments. Every year, I take a Royal Academy of Dance Vocational Exam. These are professional level ballet exams that determine the dancers ability to perform with a professional ballet company. In March, I took the highest most professional level, Advanced Two. A few months later, sitting in the parking lot of the Spring Lake School of Dance, one moment changed my life. I opened my exam results; I had failed.
It took many weeks for my ballet teacher to convince me to give the exam a try. I had always been one of the best dancers at my ballet school, but the thought of this exam scared me to death. Advanced Two focuses mainly on the dancers ability to capture the heart of the audience and really perform with not only their arms and legs, but their eyes and their heart. As a perfectionist, I have always put all my energy into the precision and perfection of my technique and placement. Needless to say, training was one of the most miserable times of my life. I was constantly crying and had nothing but negative thoughts. I felt completely hopeless and not the slightest bit confident. As a result of my perfectionism and self-criticism my technique was impeccable. My teacher frequently reminded me there was no doubt in her mind I would not do exceptionally well. Despite all the reassuring comments, there was only one thought screaming in my head: No, I wont.
The moment I opened that fate-holding envelope my heart sank, but my mind opened. In that heart-breaking moment I realized that this was all my own fault, but I did not feel any blame or anger, only appreciation. I was thankful I had finally got what I deserved. This was the result of my own destructive thoughts, I was afraid. I was afraid to perform and to let my confidence show. I was afraid to tell myself that I was talented and I would succeed. I was afraid to show the examiner how much I loved to dance. I was afraid to dance next to girls who were better than me. I was afraid to believe in myself.<br>
Failing my exam taught me that my success is the result of my own thoughts. To achieve something great, I must think I am something great. Despite inevitable fears and obstacles I have to convince myself that I can do anything I set my mind and my heart to. Not only has this experience taught me to land a triple pirouette with my eyes to the balcony, but to keep my chin up and show the world that I am ready and confident. This is one technique I plan to take me with me as I venture into the world of a business major. But until then, I will take my Advanced Two again this March, and this time I will pass.</p>