# data[].attributes.body
Situation- I went for a drive and was tempted to go off-roading.

Task - I got carried away and the car got stuck in the mud.

Action - I convinced a villager to bring a tractor and pull my car back on the road

Result - Car was fine, I could get back home (with only a little bit of embarrassment)

Takeaway - Always get a tractor guy's number before going offroading (just kidding - it taught me to not get to fazed by small setbacks)

# data[].attributes.body
A systematic format for writing the Essays

S – Situation: What was happening? (Set the scene)

T – Task: What was your role/responsibility?

A – Action: What did you do?

R – Result: What happened because of your actions?

T – Takeaway: What did you learn or realize?

# data[].attributes.body
Think about a time you failed at doing something. How did you cope with it and what did you learn?

Describe it in the START framework and also a short paragraph, applying the tips you learned so far

# data[].attributes.body
situation- i found out about the lack of financial literacy amongst youth especially in marginalized societies, however it was hard to figure out a starting point, learn and create impact when i knew nothing

task- i had to figure out a way to solve the issue at hand with the resources and knowledge I have, however it was too hard to get simplified beginner friendly information that was impactful and genuinely helped people

action- i started researching and created a platform in the form of a blog for financial literacy, connecting with people who could use the knowledge and spend hours learning

result- more and more people in my age group started learning important things about financial literacy and spread awareness

takeaway- i learnt that skills and resources are meant to be shared with people and that everyone starts somewhere, even if it seems too difficult to learn.

# data[].attributes.body
In a surprising change of events, I opened up to see a big, fat E on my English paper. For the first time ever, I questioned my abilities and intelligence. Soon enough, it was apparent that ruminating over the same wouldn't achieve much. So one fine day, I got up, picked up my pen, and began writing a practice paper. I fought through the ordeal with all my strength and might, gritting my teeth throughout. Writing papers now became a regular occurence and that A grade did not seem out of my reach anymore. To my surprise, the next time the results were out, I was at the top of my class. Through this, I realised quite early in my life that hard work and perseverance really are the key to one's success or failure.

# data[].attributes.body
Failure mainly in the education side where i hadn't got the best grades and this failure had been constant to me in my childhood and slowly I had come to accept it but internally i knew i could never give up despite what everyone was saying about me.I had decided to finally take action and start learning from my failures.I had given more time to my education and had learned from all my mistakes in my past just so i can spite all those people who did not believe in me and then all my hard work and determination had finally paid off and i had one of the highest grades in my grade and this made me so greateful that i did not just sit in sorrow for not being smart.I had learnt that you can fail several times but that is what makes achieving success even more sweeter.

# data[].attributes.body
S: I Wanted to bring new clients to my mom's business.

T: realised sales is very difficult, and clients dont want to get on board with a salesman that is 17

A: Decided to not reveal my age till i was able to lock in the client to work with me.

R: Had a couple more clients when i kept my identity hidden.

T: Sometimes you have to keep things hidden; that shouldn't really matter in the first place, yet keeping them hidden until you are close to the client.

# data[].attributes.body
When I started my Computer Science IA, I had what I thought was the perfect idea- an automatic timetable generator for students. This felt both clever and useful.

I wanted to build something that stood out- an actual project.. As I dug deeper, the idea kept slipping away from me. After weeks of coding, it clocked to me that the logic was too complex for an IA's scope, and that it was simply inefficient.

So, I had to let the idea go. That was harder than writing the code.

I later decided to pivot to an idea that was simpler, yet just as meaningful- a performance tracking app for my boxing coach. This time, I focused on usability and client feedback.

He actually used it-- and thanked me. I truly understood that failure doesn't mean you're incapable.

# data[].attributes.body
Chugging down the ₹20 packaged water as tears stain my occasional glasses wasn’t in my bucket list.

Not holding the UGenius 2024 Trophy was heavily disappointing, and I knew I had to compensate for it the next Year.

With updating myself with current affairs at 6pm daily; and giving attention to every debates and perspective of the economy was a prosperity.

The next year I still didn’t get to feel the heavy trophy on the bright lit stage, but the runner medal was heavy enough to generate hope and happiness.

From then, the preparatory knowledge gained helped me to draft my economics research paper on Microfinance and Rural Entrepreneurship, and initiate conversations with professors. I started feeling happiness in the journey and success in results then on.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation - I was building an electric cycle and the broke the motor hall sensor clip.

Task - I had to fix it before the deadline set by school which was in 2 days.

Action - I contacted the retailer for extra clips, and have removed the broken clip and fixed it with a new one.

Result - The electric cycle worked perfectly fine and all the motor readings were displayed accurately.

Takeaway - Never stress and give up about a failure but figure a way around it and solve it.

Just before completing my electric cycle, I applied too much pressure on the motor hall sensor clip and to my horror the clip broke. I had to complete this electric cycle in 2 days due to a deadline set by school and I felt the weight of the whole world on my shoulders. Instead of stressing out, I calmly analyzed the situation and contacted the retailer for an extra clip. After receiving the extra clips I had replaced the clips. As a result to this the cycle was working smoothly and all the motor readings were shown accurately. My key takeaway from this situation is to never stress about a failure but calmly analyze the situation and work around it.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation: In 2022, my parents took me out of my school of 6 years, all my friends that I adored and valued, and put me in a brand new, considerably hotter city: Mumbai. Not only that, but I was placed in a brand new curriculum, forced to learn how to study all over again. Also, it was right in the middle of the first semester.

Task: By the time I had begun to settle in and get used to my new surroundings, the semester term exams had arrived. I’d like to say I did ok for the first time, if you count only Cs and Ds as ok. Those were some of the worst grades I had ever achieved, and was a major letdown for me, a dumb kid who thought he got that 4 mark question right. Sure it was the same stuff I was learning in the last school, but the twisted and crazy way they were asking questions really confused me. I didn’t know how to change my way of studying in an instant.

Action: I started interacting with my classmates a bit more, learning about how they studied and what methods they followed to get that coveted A* grade. Some children were just gifted, which was useless to me, a kid who wasn’t gifted. Others went to tuition to learn more and practice more. Perfect, for me.  I started going to my friend’s tuition, learning how to study this wacky curriculum. When the Grade 10 finals rolled around, I gave it my all, using every strategy and knowledge that I’d accumulated over the past 2 years.

Results: When the results dropped, I was very happy to see all As on my Report Card. I hope the same follows for my 11th Finals.

Takeaway: I learnt that it’s always difficult at the start, but once you overcome that hurdle, it gets so much easier once you learn how to avoid mistakes, and succeed for the better.

# data[].attributes.body
S - It was back in 10th grade when I failed to score well in a certain subject during my mocks.

T - It wasn't like my normal subjects so studying the subject content alone didn't help me as it wasn't a logic based subject.

A - I decided to just read a bunch of sample answers and purely focus on marking schemes.

R - I scored an A in my boards!!

T - I learnt that adapting is truly important, and in this case was highly useful in academics. Not every situation has the same solution, we need to identify patterns and see what works best.

------

Back in 10th grade, my usual study methods for logic-based subjects failed me for a certain subject in my mocks. I realised a different approach was needed; instead of solely focusing on content, I shifted my strategy to analysing sample answers and understanding marking schemes. This method proved highly effective, culminating an A on my board exams. From this experience, I learnt that not all challenges have the same solution; identifying patterns and adapting different approached is crucial for success.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation: I was participating in a competition with my custom built RC-car, and my chassis had snapped in half.

Task: I had designed the car with a thin, 3D printed chassis, but it couldn't sustain a fall.

Action: I used superglue to stick the chassis back temporarily so that we could at least finish the task.

Result: Although not an impressive result, we at least finished the task.

Takeaway: Next time, I would use a more rigid material to make the chassis, and would bring along at least a couple replacement parts. I learned that you should always at least keep a plan B.

Right as my car was about to finish the task, it took a fall. snap, the sound of my nightmares; The chassis had split in two. I had designed the chassis to be thin to reduce weight, but it couldn't take the forces and well, broke. As usual, superglue was my best friend and I quickly patched it back together. It was messy, but it worked. Although I lost a lot of time trying to fix it, it at least finished the task. I learned that next time, I'd have to use a more rigid material or at the very least, keep a plan B in case things go south.

I'd like to use more rhetorical devices such as personifying the car and me as a team for the next draft

# data[].attributes.body
Aryav

Situation- I was late to class and I knew I was going to get punished for it. I bumped into a junior on my way and showed my annoyance towards him.

Task- I had to be in class as soon as possible

Action- I realized that I did not have to take out my anger on the harmless kid, I made sure that I went back and apologized to him, I would do it regardless. (if I reached late or on time)

Result- It made me feel like I did something right, and showed the kid that Im a senior worth looking up to.

Takeaway- Taking out your emotions on other people unnecessarily can spoil their day and yours too. (just be on time :))

# data[].attributes.body
Approaching the podium, my legs begin shivering, hands turn cold and I start having second thoughts. Grabbing the mic with a trembling hand and wishing everyone an underconfident good morning the awkwardness gets to me. I proceed to read a bland speech off of my paper, telling everyone about my unoriginal intentions of serving the council as deputy house captain. Everything looked faded and blurry and I got myself out of the room as soon as I could. The next few weeks I couldn't get rid of the embarrassing feeling, and I knew this had to change. I began putting myself in situations i wouldn't usually, practiced and read many successfull speeches, and perfected my writings to the littlest words. Next year, I walked into the same room, with the same crowd and the only thing changed was a more eager me. Without a paper in hand and an awkward lean towards the podium, I flow through the speech brilliantly. Very expectedly, I win the role of sports captain. That day, there was more than just a role i had won.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation: I was preparing to get into the National Institute of Design (NID)

Task: To clear the NID entrance exam by building a strong portfolio, improving my design thinking, and practising creative problem-solving. I committed to regular practice, mock tests, and studying design fundamentals.

Action: I followed a structured preparation plan, enrolled in coaching, studied past year papers, and even sought feedback from mentors. I dedicated time every day to improve my drawing, ideation, and storytelling skills.

Result: Despite all the effort, I did not clear the NID entrance exam. It was disappointing and disheartening at first, as it felt like all the work I put in didn’t lead to the result I expected.

Takeaway: Failing to clear NID taught me resilience and self-reflection. I realised that failure is not the end—it’s feedback. I learned to identify my weak areas, remain open to new opportunities, and keep pursuing design through different pathways. It reinforced my commitment to growing as a designer, with or without a specific institution’s validation.

# data[].attributes.body
The butterflies in my stomach were working overtime the day before our match. Tomorrow was the finals of the volleyball tournament we had done all this practicing for. I made sure to practice as much as possible. I worked on my serves, practiced my spikes, and even ran through plays with my team. I felt prepared, but I couldn't get rid of that pesky butterfly in my stomach. On match day we entered the court. The game started well, with both of our scores being tied. Then we started losing. I miss a serve. My teammate misses a receive. We kept our hopes up high, but when that ball hit the floor for the final time, just inches away from my teammates arm, those hopes crumbled. Yet, when we got our medals, the congratulations from my friends and teachers made me feel proud. We got second place, and that was ok. We gave our all. Through this I learned that even if I haven't achieved all that I wanted to, as long as I put in my best work I can live with it.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation – I was on an 8-day hike, in the basecamp, had to go from the “meeting tent” to my own tent at 12am.

Task – I decided I was smart enough to navigate my way on my own in extreme darkness without a torch, fell off a small cliff

Action – By gods grace, landed on my legs, and made my way back to the “meeting tent” with the help of the emergency light on top of that tent.

Result – Took the help of 2 other trekkers, and they helped me get back to my tent.

Takeaway – To not be overconfident and be cautious of surroundings. (especially when you’re on a mountain)

My friends had already gone to their tents, and I didn’t want to disturb these new trekkers and embarrass myself by acting like a small kid who can’t find his way back. I decided to go alone. It was pitch black, and I trusted my gut, which after 20 steps of nothingness let me straight down a small cliff. I still wonder how I was able to land on my legs, I guess my liquid luck worked that day. In that freezing cold, when my heart had just dropped, literally, I made the best decision possible. I convinced myself that it’s not embarrassment, I found the emergency light, navigated my way back to the meet tent and asked for help. Before sleeping that night, I realised it’s really not good to have an ego when you are thousands of feet high on a mountain with death lurking around the corner. I never hesitated to ask for help, not during the hike at least.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation - I wanted to take a step towards helping my father with his work, and give him a hand in investing. I wanted to show him that I deserved a seat at the table. To do this I wanted secure shares of the lucrative Lakshmi Dental IPO. Subscribe and secure as me shares as possible. So finally, I got the numbers, account details and figures at the last moment. But I was not able to secure a single share.

Task - To cope with this loss, and how to break to my father

Action - Networked and tried to buy shares as soon as the listing took place. Or do something that would reinstill faith in my father.

Result - Not able to secure a single share of lakhmi dental. Had to tell him, and deal with disappointment. But this lead to me having a talk with my father, where he told me to just let it go. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Takeaways - Always be proactive, and how resurface after sinking.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation-

We were in the semifinals, confident we'd win easily. But I struggled to give my best and couldn’t identify my mistakes.

Task-

As a senior player, I was expected to lead the team and help secure a place in the finals.

Action-

After the back-to-back defeats, I was demotivated, but with the help of my fellow teammates, I took a step back to reflect. I spoke to my coach, reviewed game footage, and initiated honest conversations with my teammates. It became clear, we had underestimated our opponents and let our overconfidence replace preparation. I took ownership of my mindset and began focusing more on mental readiness and humility, not just physical performance.

Result:

I realised we underestimated our opponents. This led me to change my mindset and focus on preparation and humility.

Takeaway-

I learned that leadership means learning from failure, staying self-aware, and never taking success for granted.

# data[].attributes.body
When my grade 10 results came out, everyone in my family, my friends, all were happy. I scored 95% which were pretty decent, but I myself was disappointed in myself because I knew I had the potential of doing more, doing better. And this was the moment I felt like I failed myself, just for the sake of my overconfidence I really lost the opportunity I had and this taught me how not to take things for granted. From early childhood all my family members would always hype me about my intelligence and sharpness and many things but, my father, he always used to tell me that don't take all this hype as the reason to not do better and settle for less. But as a stubborn child I never listened to him and the result was my 10th grades, which was like a slap in my face. So this situation taught me how not to take things for granted and always give your best at whatever it is.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation- I was at home and thought of baking a cake.

Task- I followed the instruction but I ended up mixing up all the ingredients as once.

Action- I ran straight to my mother hoping she could fix everything

Result- The cake came out to be fine, and it was actually delicious

Takeaway- It taught me that we should not always fuss about the process and things come out fine if we do not follow the process.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation- It was the day of the football tournament, I couldn't stop the other team from scoring.

Task- I had to practice running and improving my stamina, I did not.

Action- I went for the tournament unprepared and nervous.

Result- It made me regret my decision to not improve my stamina.

Takeaway- Working hard is very important in life, it could be anything that a person needs to work hard in but it is important. I learnt that no one regrets hard work

The other team was through on goal, because 'I' could not track back on time. I was on my knees as I looked up to the sky in regret and disbelief, we had lost the match because of me. One weakness of mine on the field was my stamina, the coach had told me to train everyday for a month before the tournament. I kept giving excuses, convincing myself that my technical ability on the field would be enough. Days went by, without me working hard to get my stamina up, then came the day of the tournament. I failed my team that day; even if us conceding was someone else's fault, I will forever blame myself. I knew that i had the capability, but my perseverance let me down. That is the day i learnt that hard work is something no none regrets.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation:

I was well-prepared. I had trained hard for this moment, coming back from an injury. I was doing well and playing my first tournament after a long time. I was expecting a lot from myself, but I lost in the first round, and miserably. I played poorly and started questioning everything. I panicked so much that I even told my mom I didn’t deserve to play tennis and didn’t want to play the following week. I asked her to take me home.

I called my dad. He just said one thing: “It’s okay. It’s been a long time. You’re not going to win right away. Be patient and play. You’re playing again next week as well.” I didn’t want to, but I thought, let's be patient and just play.

Task:

I had to shift my mindset from focusing on winning to simply playing my best. My task was to approach the next tournament not with pressure, but with calm and clarity. I needed to trust my training and let go of expectations.

Action:

I trained the next week, not with the goal of just winning, but with the mindset to play my best tennis. I reminded myself to stay composed and focused. Then, when the next week’s draw came out, I saw I had to play the first seed, the same girl who had won the previous tournament (the one I had messed up in).

But this time, I told myself something different. I didn’t just say, I want to win. I also said, Be patient, analyze your game, and focus on playing your best tennis. During the match, I stayed present and played the best tennis I’ve ever played. I lost, but I wasn’t upset. I came off the court thinking, Damn, I can beat the first seed. It’s just mindset.

Result:

Although I lost, it felt like a win. My mindset was different, and that made all the difference. I played better than ever before. Earlier, I believed I didn’t deserve to be on the court but now I know I can take down top players. If I continue training my mind along with my body.

# data[].attributes.body
S: I could not complete all the preparations in time for the art fest in my school .

T: I was part of the organising committee. I was co-heading an event in the art fest.

A: I gathered my friends and asked them for their input and completed as much as we could.

R: The event went quite smoothly.

T: It taught me to always plan things ahead and always have a plan-B ready in case things don't work out.

# data[].attributes.body
Situation- I was in my aerial yoga class and we were trying out a new balancing exercise, which I was unable to do.

Task- The objective was to keep trying until you managed to hold it for 10 or more counts.

Action- Initially, I was too scared and wouldn't give it my all, which is why I kept failing. However, after a little assistance from my supervisor and a lot of self talk and forcing myself, I was able to do it. I managed to overcome my fear and mental block.

Result- I completed the exercise and, surprisingly, found it to be rather easy.

Takeaway- I learned that sometimes, our fears and doubts hold us back and prevent us from accomplishing things that are within our grasp, if only we tried hard enough. All it takes is a little push to overcome these and succeed.