by Mathias Scriptor

Created on: January 11, 2010

If one were to flip through the mountain of papers I have accumulated in the last 12 years of schooling, they would find one constant. Not scribbled, germane notes, or tidy, rhythmic math equations. No, what one would find would be triangles. Tons and tons of triangles. Some just basic equilateral, others more complex geometric figures. All with one common theme. I believe in doodling triangles.

I cannot recall the exact date when I focused my doodling abilities solely on triangles. However, over the years, I have become fairly adept at connecting three lines with three vertices. Before you laugh, or think I am crazy, allow me to explain. It is not simply the satisfaction of passing class time and letting my mind wander that keeps me drawing triangles. No, a much greater, more philosophical force is at work. Perfection. I strive, have striven, and will continue to strive in the future, to concoct the perfect triangle. Perfectly even side length, perfect shading tone, nothing outside the lines. Perfection. In all my years, in the thousands of triangles, I am happy to report, I have yet to concoct the perfect triangle.

We all want to be perfect. We want perfect grades, perfect relationships, perfect habits; it is as basic a feeling as there is. In reality, however, we simply aren’t. Nobody on this earth is perfect, we all make mistakes. In my opinion, it is how we cope with failure, with not meeting our own expectations - however pristine. After failing, can you get back up, try harder, and be better? Can you learn from your misgiving, and do everything in your power to not make the same mistake again? Or will you fold under the pressure, scapegoat anything and everything, and continue failing? It takes mental strength, fortitude, and belief in yourself. 

One of my favorite hobbies, a sport in which I allot close to 10 hours a week, is based on failure. I am, of course, referring to the great game of baseball. Succeeding three of every ten times, that is, getting three hits every ten plate appearances, a .300 average, will make you millions of dollars. That’s seven other at-bats that resulted in failure. The best players in the game have a short-term memory; they bounce back, help the team in other ways. But I digress.

I am not suggesting that drawing triangles is some sort of spiritual epiphany. What I can say is that each and every time I draw a triangle I am reminded to take failure with a positive attitude - to keep trying, and never give up. 

After reflection, this lesson has been a pillar to my overall personality. Being a glass half-full type person has influenced my actions, thoughts, and feelings. I believe in the pursuit of perfection. I believe in never giving up. I believe in optimism and hope. I believe in mental fortitude. I believe in drawing triangles.

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