College story: Right team means "No fear of failure"

College story: Right team means "No fear of failure"

In 2006, while studying at COEP Technological University 3rd year Engineering, I hit rock bottom due to health problems. I was suffering from stomach issues which led to weakness and a lack of focus. Despite undergoing numerous tests, the root cause remained undiagnosed. 

Being analytically inclined, I believe every problem has a solution. However, when the problem itself is unidentified, it leads to mounting frustration. As the date of the first 20 mark test approached, my fear of failure escalated. I took the drastic step of avoiding the exam and missed the first paper of Microcontroller subject. Not only did my friends from the batch call me when I missed the first paper, but I also received calls and messages from other batchmates. They encouraged me to attend the exam, assuring me that the questions are straightforward and that I can score decent marks, inspite of low preparations since I have attended all the lectures. They also reminded me that there were two more exams to go and whatever I score now would be a bonus. 

Despite scoring lower than usual on most papers, the experience removed my fear of failure. It was replaced with a sense of accomplishment for having taken the exam despite the odds. This change was possible thanks to my supportive and cooperative batchmates who believed in succeeding as a team rather than individually. 

Interestingly, in one of the papers, most out of the 30 students in our batch scored less than 5 out of 20 marks. Yet, everyone wore a smile (or rather, a laugh) on their faces of how difficult the paper was and planned to score in next exam. And here we are after 17 years with the same smile (or laugh) 

In my current role in pharma consulting, which is quite demanding, there are times when I have to handle critical client calls without sufficient preparation. However, with the fear of failure no longer looming over me, and backed by the right team and prior context about the client, I never postpone these calls, knowing that such moments are time sensitive and should not be postponed.