I can recall vividly a certain day. It was my second year in school, and we had a group project; we were paired in twos. And this project happens to be one that can either boost the GP or even spoil one's GP. Then, I was very sick, very, very sick at that. I got to know who I was paired with, and it gladdens my heart: Victor (not his real name), a very good friend of mine who also happens to be a very brilliant, serious, and outstanding student. So, I was rest assured; I thought it would be easy as he's someone I can trust to deliver. We talked a bit; I sent him some money, since we would be paying for some things, and that was it. I didn’t communicate, didn't go to school, and didn't even ask him how it was going. I assumed he would do it.
On the day of submission, I was shocked with what I saw; the work looked rushed and unclear, and it was just somehow. I had planned to just go through the summary at the end in case we would be asked some questions or talk. But then, this work has no summary; it was even full of errors. I can't seem to wrap my head around it. Victor is brilliant; even I, with my small little brain can't possibly have done something like this. He had promised to do his very best. Is this the best...? I couldn't even talk as one of the supervisors examined our work and just rubbished it. I looked at him, and I could see disappointment in it, but then I felt betrayed too. He could have told me he's busy, we could have given it to a cafe man, and he could have asked for help. But then, we lost marks that cannot even be recovered; even our classmates expected more from us.
I regret placing my full trust in him without taking any responsibility for my part. I can say it was laziness if the truth is I was ill, but then I could have reached out, I could have talked to him about it, and I could have visited school at least once before the presentation day. But I had let misplaced confidence guide my decisions, and I had to face the music. It did affect my grade at the end of the day, but aside from that, it taught me a very important lesson about being accountable and not depending solely on others, be it a friend or family... it is very risky.
If given a second chance, I would take things seriously, I would do all that was needed on my part, I would contribute in every way needed, and I would monitor its progress. This is not about doubting my friends; no, it's about balancing my trust in them with caution. That way, I would be prepared for whatever outcome so as not to feel betrayed. No matter who I work with, I should learn to take responsibility.
Ever since then, I've faced life and work responsibly; not that I don't work with friends, but I do so responsibly. Not that I don't trust, but I make sure to take actions from my back side as well. I still think about that failed project, but the lesson it taught me was one I won't forget in a hurry.
Aside from correcting mistakes, second chances help us grow, they help us take control and teach important lessons. And that's life... mistakes will always happen, but learning and trying again is the real deal.
All pictures are mine.
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