My wrong note.

I was 10 years old and already at my young age I was undergoing a very stressful and
competitive experience. The International piano competition: “America para todos” I had
dreamed of and worked so hard for.

The day of the audition arrived, where I had to demonstrate my skills to a demanding and
implacable jury. My fingers got in tune with my soul and I began to play the piano, with
delicacy and confidence. I felt satisfied, I thought I was likely to win the contest of my
dreams, I thought that at last all my effort would be rewarded, but it was not so. A somber
letter announced that I had neither won nor been among the finalists. I couldn't hold back the
tears, I was devastated.

I spent days tormenting myself with thoughts that I could have tried harder, that maybe this
was a sign to quit piano, or that doing the contest was a waste of time and energy. I was
heartbroken and angry at fate. Until my family took me into their arms and made me realize
that this failure should not be the reason to stop striving and striving for my goals, but should
be a driving force to strive harder. With this advice I was able to open my mind, and little by
little become aware that just as a wrong note does not become a whole piece dissonantI, I
should not believe that this competition must define my love for the piano, since it has
always been and will always be my companion, my way of expressing my feelings and the
best way to open my heart. I learned that I should not expect a reward as validation for what
I do, but that I should do everything with love and effort for my own enjoyment and
satisfaction. After all, the importance of challenges are the life changing experiences I
incorporate that will enable me to grow and mature.

This failure at my young age allowed me to acquire very valuable lessons to be able to face
challenges with greater maturity and harmony.

By: Renata Núñez Fiallo