Up until last Saturday, I had never failed at anything in my life. But now that I have tasted failure, I am more determined to not fail again.

Growing up, I was in private schools and everyone made a team, so there was no need for tryouts or cuts. I tried anything that I wanted to and I had the ability to succeed at them all, gymnastics, piano, guitar, dance, horseback riding, etc. I have been blessed to have a father that knows the in's and out's of interviews, which has helped me receive an offer for every job I've applied for. I applied to 11 colleges and was accepted with scholarships to all 11. I have not failed at anything in my 19 years of life, until now.

I tried out for the Cougar Dolls Dance Team, but was cut. To be completely honest, I was shocked at first. And then upset, and then determined to try again next year. I was not at the level of dance ability they were looking for, but I still wanted to try out.

I went in knowing I had a 50/50 chance of making it. But in the back of my mind, I thought "I have this. This is going to be easy. I know I can make this team." I didn't and it actually taught me a lot about myself and what I need to do for next time.

I'm a good dancer, not great. I need to train; I need to eat healthier; I need to be determined to be the best that I can be. I have to learn that just because I show well does not mean that I will get everything I want.

I am grateful that I was cut. I am grateful that I failed. I am grateful that I now have a year to become the best dancer that I can be. Failure is a blessing in our lives. Failure teaches us how to pick ourselves back up when we've fallen. Failure allows us to re-evaluate our priorities, our decisions, and our lives.

Fail. Don't be afraid to fail. It's better to fail than to never try at all.