Memories of a Mistaken Youth

I can still recall the hot flush of embarrassment and that unsettling feeling in my stomach when I made a mistake as a child. One incident, in particular, is etched in my memory—the day I stumbled on stage during an elementary school spelling bee, surrounded by peers, teachers, and even the church pastor.

I was quite the achiever in school: the eighth-grade class president and captain of the girls' basketball team, bound for a prestigious high school. I was also an avid reader, which made me a strong speller.

Anticipating the spring spelling bee as a highlight of my final year, I eagerly prepared, reviewing the study materials throughout Easter break. My family helped me practice during lunch breaks filled with tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I practiced tirelessly, pronouncing words like “xylophone,” “psychology,” “exonerate,” and the classic “onomatopoeia,” paying special attention to those tricky silent letters.

The Day of Reckoning

On the day of the spelling bee, I breezed through the preliminary rounds alongside a more reserved classmate, a girl who often went unnoticed. As we approached the final stages of the competition, I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze upon us in the gymnasium, where the principal, affectionately dubbed “Onion Buns,” presided.

When my turn came, I was given what I thought was a simple word. Confidently, I began spelling, “R- A- S- B- E- R- R- Y.” But then came the blow: “That is incorrect,” Sister Onion Buns declared, giving my classmate the chance to spell “raspberry” correctly.

The Pain of Defeat

That moment felt like one of the worst experiences of my young life. My classmates booed my opponent, which I found unjust, as I was too wrapped up in my own disappointment. I felt crushed and wanted nothing more than to disappear. How could I have misstepped on such a familiar word? Raspberries were my favorite fruit!

As I processed the events, confusion reigned. I had prepared diligently, yet I faltered at a seemingly easy word. Over the years, I have learned to reframe my perspective on failure.

Growing through Adversity

As a child, I was taught by family, educators, and religious figures to “own” my mistakes. This lesson seemed to be part of a larger framework aimed at control. Was I overconfident? Did I not study hard enough?

Looking back, it's clear that there is room for everyone to shine, but does that mean we must succeed every time? Do we strive for personal achievement or merely to impress those around us? That day, my classmate took the title, and I lost the competition by just one letter.

It was a humbling experience for my twelve-year-old self. Reflecting on it now, I cherish the support I received from those who empathized with my loss. My brother still teases me about disappointing my “fans” that sunny May afternoon. After all, isn’t having fans one of life’s ultimate goals? As a silver lining, I never misspelled “raspberry” again.

The Importance of Moving On

As we navigate through life, it's essential to remember that everyone makes mistakes.

The first video, "Kelsea Ballerini - Get Over Yourself (Official Audio)," explores themes of self-acceptance and moving beyond our mistakes.

The second video, "Get Over Yourself," encourages viewers to embrace their imperfections and grow from them.