I will start:
Just a few days ago, I decided to tackle some paperwork that I had been putting off. I had a job acceptance letter (a little job at the university) that I needed to return. I noticed (for the first time) that the letter had a due date on it, and the due date was for the following day! Since I live so far away from campus, mailing it might take 2 days, so, in a panic, I called the department and told them my predicament. I really wanted the job, but I didn't think they would get the acceptance letter in time. I was prepared to rearrange my whole schedule that day to drive down to the university and turn it in by hand.
Thankfully, after speaking with someone there, they reassured me that I could give my acceptance over the phone, and if I got the letter postmarked by the due date, I would be ok. Feeling much relieved, I ran to the post office and mailed it right away.
When I discovered the due date, I felt like a failure since I had the letter for over 2 weeks already. I had more than enough time to mail it back. I felt all hope was lost and started to experience anxiety and panic. But, I stayed calm and rational enough to call and ask for help. Just by asking, I was able to get an exception and everything turned out ok.
In the end, I have learned that I must read all paperwork more closely for things like due dates. If I had seen the due date, I would have put it on my calendar to take care of it in time. Because of this, I have also decided to purchase a large filing cabinet to help me get my piles of papers organized so they don't end up all mixed up together in a jumbled heap, leaving important, time-sensitive papers lost. And most importantly, I have learned to not be afraid to ask for help. The worst thing someone can say is "No, I can't help you." But often, they say something much better, so I have to be bold enough to ask. I would have never imagined that the school administration would have made an exception for me. It was a pleasant surprise.
Thankfully, this mistake of mine has a happy ending. Not all mistakes do, but usually they have a lesson for us about behavior change so that we can avoid similar mistakes in the future.
