By Shirleena Baggett |Staff Writer|

So what? You made a mistake.

Unfortunately, that is life.

When you take action towards your goals, it is bound to happen.

Think about it, what would our world be like if there were no mistakes made?

It would be perfect and in my opinion, perfect is boring.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” is a quote from the world-famous Thomas Edison.

He could have given up after the first try, but where would we be without his 1,093 invention patents, including the phonograph, Vitascope and light bulb?

“There is great opportunity in every mistake,” said student Lana Elyo.

And she is right.

Life never comes out how we dreamed and definitely not as we planned.

I never thought I would be six months away from being 30 years old and still in school, but I am here.

Never have I imagined my savings account would look the way it does, but hey, it is what it is.

I never, ever, fathomed that I would allow my decisions not to lose weight faster hinder me from living out my life fully and completely, but they have.

Mistakes are a chance to learn how not to do something.

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them,” stated leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell.

I am not saying do not live your life, but please understand that your future is directly connected to the decisions you make today.

With that being said, we all have and will continue to go through tough times in life, most self-inflicted.

Some cry over spilled milk, but I choose to make the most out of the situation.

“If the results from your mistakes make you feel horrible, remember that feeling, and avoid it at all costs by not letting it happen again,” stated student Meghon Everett.

Personally, I have learned through my mistakes to make myself a priority.

I honestly feel that I am more appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to be in school than when I first started out, many moons ago.

I understand the word budget now and currently working towards a healthier lifestyle.

Setbacks not only lead to success but are also your chance to teach others so they do not fall down the same path you did.

Being able to help someone else is a gift from the universe.

Even with this article, I hope that whoever reads this understands that there is light at the end of the tunnel, a rainbow after the rain, and lemonade to be made with lemons.

One thing to remember; failure is not forever.

It is a temporary part of the process for growth and the foundation for anything worth having.

Tough and difficult times make us stronger and more prepared for the future ahead of us.

So, keep your head up and know; the sun will always shine tomorrow.