For Students - A Note on Failure

  •   Fri, Jun 07 2024
  •   By Jerald Coutinho

June 7, 2024

As a challenging season unfolds, I would like to impart some of my insights in the hope that it helps students navigate this dynamic phase. 

It was the year 1982 and I was in Mumbai, exploring job prospects with a reputed company after having graduated college, first class with distinction. I’d correctly answered 48 out of the 50 questions on their written test and was mighty pleased when the results came out as I had topped the test! 

As expected, I got the interview call within a week, and I was pumped! My confidence soared. I anticipated securing the job soon and was quite certain the interview would be a cakewalk for me. 

Relaxed and self-assured, I walked into the interview, brimming with confidence. The interviewer was busy perusing a file. I noticed the file contained the answer sheet from the written test that I’d topped! Feeling smug, I fully expected him to compliment me for my stellar performance, but he remained silent and continued to stare intently at my answer sheet, making me a tad nervous. 

After what seemed like ages, the interviewer broke the silence with a question that left me utterly disconcerted. He asked, "So tell me, where will the next Olympic Games be held?" 

I was stunned into silence as my mind raced. Sure, one might think it was just a simple piece of trivia and there is absolutely no shame in admitting my lack of awareness around every Olympic destination there ever was but let me tell you, this was by no means an ordinary question. It was one of the two questions that I had left unanswered on the written test. To make things worse, I had not cared to check on the correct answers for these two questions, given my sheer complacence over having topped the test. It was in that instant, I realized I had made the biggest mistake. 

He asked, "You don't know the answer?"

I replied bluntly, " No"

He taunted, "That day also you did not know. Today also you don't know. Did you even try to find out the answer after you went back from the written test?"

I could feel the sense of crushing regret creeping in as I replied, " No"

Much to my chagrin, he replied " Thank You. You may leave now"

And that was the end of my interview. 

Shaken to my core, I pondered over the entire experience on the train ride back home, imagining all the different ways the interview could have turned out. Mostly, I was deeply disturbed by how abruptly the interview had ended. Upon returning home, I started ranting to my brother-in-law about the horrible experience and how annoyed I was with the interviewer for having dismissed me over a silly piece of trivia and thereby depriving me of the opportunity to showcase all the good I had to offer, given my meritorious record. Laying the blame squarely on the interviewer’s bad attitude gave me a tiny bit of solace but this was short lived as my brother-in-law, after having calmly listened to my tirade, decided to weigh in with a view that was diametrically opposite to mine – he credited the interviewer for a job well done! I was appalled! He went on to point out that by asking me that one question, the interviewer had astutely discerned the singular factor of significance: my eagerness to acquire knowledge. 

My complacence cost me dearly and I ended up not getting the job. 

I believe, my first mistake was choosing to stay in my comfort zone.

I was comfortable with my brilliant performance on the written test to the extent that I could not be bothered to find out the answers to the questions I’d left unanswered. 

My second mistake was my attitude of studying for the sake of doing well in an exam and not for the sake of learning something new. Learning is a continuous process. Had I been curious and followed up, answering that one question in the interview might have made all the difference. 

That failed interview ended up being a turning point in my journey. 

Dear students, as cliched as it may sound, failure is truly the stepping stone to success. Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your success yet resist the temptation to settle into complacency. Emphasise holistic learning over memorizing, as your real-world challenges will be navigated more effectively through experiential knowledge than mere academic scores. Associate with individuals who share an enthusiasm for continuous learning. Stay curious, take that risk, and go the extra mile for it is at the edge of comfort that life ignites its fullest potential.

 

 

 

 

 
By Jerald Coutinho
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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Jun 11 2024

    Well written.One never ends learning life long.Even we hear seniors too go to univ.and learn even though they dont need .

  • Anthony D'Silva, Udyavara

    Sun, Jun 09 2024

    Well written, yes learning is a continuous process.

  • V P D'sa, manipal

    Sat, Jun 08 2024

    I have just finished a feature film on this topic titled "May I come in, Sir?" The Kannada movie explains the process of interviews in detail, which every graduate should watch. Our progress is directly proportional to what we do when encountering an obstacle. Should we resolve it or casually sit idle? The attitude and situation of the current generation are also the same. Unemployment is directly proportional to our attitude. Excellent article, Jerald.

  • Valerian D Souza, Mangalore/ USA

    Sat, Jun 08 2024

    Beautifully written article, uplifts the spirit of students who aspire to pursue successful career with sincerity and determination. 👌👌👌

  • HENRY MISQUITH, India

    Sat, Jun 08 2024

    To those who have faced disappointment in exams or interviews, remember that this is not the end of your journey, but rather a moment to learn and grow. Each experience, whether it leads to success or not, is a valuable lesson that shapes your future. Great cricketer and batsman Sachin Tendulkar also failed in 10th class, but now his name is in history. Jerry, I admire you for your article.


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