One true thing about me is that I do not let single academic failures define my intelligence, work ethic, or potential in life. In the Spring of 2025, I took my first ACT without studying to see where I was at. When I received a twenty-three, I was surprised because my classmates had better scores with minimal study. Determined to prove myself in my academics to others, I spent the first month of my summer studying for over five hours each day. On test day, I felt confident, but the test seemed harder than I had expected, despite my studying. I was anxious for the scores to come out, and when they did, I found out I only got a twenty-six.
When I received a twenty-six on my ACT, I felt discouraged because I had put so much work into this test. I was confused, but I found out that God had a different plan for me. I received my score on the 2-hour drive to the temple and knew the timing was no coincidence. I looked at the 26 in disbelief and began to reflect on my life. I brought my doubts to the temple and was able to feel a divine peace that I hadn’t felt for a long time. The score planted a seed for me to grow and flourish in many areas of my life. I did not know why it had happened, but I felt strongly about the actions I should take after leaving the temple. After that, I stopped worrying so much about it.
I continued diligently with my studies, focusing on the most important aspects of my life, such as strengthening my relationships and prioritizing self-care. I realized that I had put all my focus on this test and had not given regard to the eternal things in my life. I learned that pausing God-given blessings for temporal things will not help but hurt my ability to accomplish them. I learned how to approach my trials with divine guidance. I now do not let my failures put me down or set me back, and I work to be balanced in the most important aspects of my life, grow in all areas, spiritually and intellectually, which strengthen one another.
My ACT score does not define me. I am aware of my abilities and strengths, which stem from my self-discipline and positive outlook. This trial has given me greater balance, faith, and patience, which are preparing me to succeed as I go into the future.
