Experience is defined as “practical contact with and observation of facts or evens,” according to the
Oxford Dictionary. The sport of track and field is an experience itself; not only is it an experience it
provides opportunity for growth. Based on my time as a track athlete I have learned the importance of
preparation as well as accepting failure; these experiences aid in the future of my career by helping me
throughout the entirety of my life. To begin, when I began track, I was unprepared, young, and excited
to run, eight years later and the only thing that has changed is my ability to prepare. When you love
something, you pursue it doing everything you can to succeed in that activity. This includes early and
late-night practices, diets, and pursuing my dreams of running regardless of failure. Continuing, the
acceptance of failure is not only important but necessary. As quoted by Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to
prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This quote allows you to grasp the importance of failure. Without
preparation you are destined to fail, but with every fail comes a lesson. These experiences will help me
achieve my career goals by instilling in me the understanding of preparation and failure. No one wants
to fail but I understand how to accept it, keep going, and prepare myself better for next time. My dream
career is an orthodontist and with the lessons and experiences I have gained from track and field I know
I’ll succeed.