I am a fifth year senior who has changed her major three or four times. I have taken a break from attending university a few times and came back with a passion to succeed. I would hope to believe that I am a student with grit on the grounds that I haven’t given up thus far. However, the word 'grit' doesn't do justice to define the experience and the journey of failing and getting back up when I was at my lowest point.
It is okay to make mistakes, to change your major, to hit rock bottom, but it is only okay if those are honest mistakes. I've learned that I want to be a student with grit; someone with a past full of mistakes but also with a future of fortitude and perseverance. Changing my major taught me that, yes, there are many different types of students, but ultimately, it is the student who decides the type of pupil they want to be.
Success isn't not making any mistakes, but it is a test of fortitude, the strength of one's mind. Intelligence and wealth will never stand in lieu of fortitude and perseverance, simply because there is a difference between privilege and success. Success is earned.
