PLEASE HELP WITH USC ESSAY PROMPT. I don't understand it!

College Essays
1

<p>I'm trying to write about this prompt for the University of Southern California:</p>

<p>Thomas Edison failed many times before successfully inventing the modern electric light bulb. He said, ’If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.’ Reflect on an accomplishment you achieved in an unlikely way.</p>

<p>But the thing that throws me off is the "unlikely" part. What do they mean? Because Thomas Edison accomplished his goal by doing a likely thing - trying over and over again. I was thinking about talking about how I overcame my bad asthma by joining the swim team and even though I was really bad, I got an award for most improved. And after just 2 years (right now), I'm going to be on varsity. Is this an "unlikely" way of overcoming my asthma? Does it fit the prompt? Or are they asking about a way to achieve an UNLIKELY accomplishment, but not necessarily in an unlikely way.
I guess it's the Thomas Edison quote that throws me off because it didn't seem like he accomplished his goal in any unlikely way. I think I may just be overthinking it? What do other 09ers think?</p>

<p>Sorry, this post was quite long. But thanks in advance for the help!!! =) And gluck to all 09ers!</p>

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<p>
[quote]
in an unlikely way

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Imo, the prompt asks for an unlikely way (means), not an unlikely accomplishment (end).</p>

<p>I think Edison's way was "unlikely" because many people would move on or become discouraged and give up after so many failures. </p>

<p>Congratulations on your excellent progress in swimming! :)</p>