Tuesday, Jun. 8

Get Ready for Failure

Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg (of Twilight fame) speaking to Bennington College’s graduating class of 2010:

I know one thing for certain that is in your future: Failure. … It’ll be dizzying, how many wrong routes you’ll choose. But I tell you this: As you’re lying there bleeding, remember me and remember this was supposed to happen and this is going to be really irritating particularly while you’re so down in the dumps, but see if you can also remember that this crushing blow will actually eventually be a good thing. … You pick yourself up enough times, and I’m quite an expert at this, and the falls won’t be as hard and getting up will be easier. And the shape of your dreams will become more and more clear and you’ll find yourself standing closer and closer to them.