Is quitting ever a good idea? In my opinion it honestly depends on the situation. I feel like different situations with different circumstances need different resolutions. Quitting is always looked down on as if you are a failure if you decide to quit. People act like you should always keep trying or pushing yourself to succeed. But sometimes the thing you’re trying so hard for isn’t even good for you.

In some situation “not quitting” is what’s best for you. For example, in the beginning of my junior year I decided to go out for the cheerleading team for the first time. I’d never done cheerleading before but once for half a season in first grade.  My friends encouraged me to go to the tryouts and helped me learn the cheers and how to do the motions correctly. I tried really hard and really wanted to be on the team. I practiced with the other girls that were trying out and at home with my boyfriend. But I honestly wasn’t very confident. When the day of the actual tryout I was trying extra hard to get everything together. I need to know three cheers, two jumps, and a band dance. When they called my name my heart began to pound. I was extremely anxious and scared.  I made my way slowly into the cafeteria. When I was finished my tryout I thanked my judges and I left. The anxiety grew larger. And thoughts began to flood my mind. I noticed all the things I did wrong as I walked down the hall. “I didn’t smile! I was probably really sloppy! Did I mess up? I probably did. Ughh I hope I make it!” I sat down with the other girls and waited as the judges discussed who was making the team. After maybe 15 minutes they called all of us back in the cafeteria. We all sat around the table and listened. The judges thanked us for trying out and began announcing who made the team. As the list got shorter my throat grew tighter. They finished reading the list and thanked everyone again. I did NOT make it. The coach pulled me aside and said I did really well but I just need to work on a few things and make sure I come out for the next practice. I felt like if I spoke I just might break out in tears. So I just smiled and nodded my head. I grabbed my things and left. I remained silent but I still said bye to everyone. I think I dealt with it very maturely. I honestly don’t know why I took it so personal but I was just mad after that. I didn’t plan on trying out again.

I went on with my life as the second tryout crept closer and closer. It wasn’t until the day of the second tryout that I decided to try out again. My boyfriend thought it wouldn’t be a terrible idea and that I shouldn’t give up on it so easily. The other cheerleaders insisted I did as well. So I did. And I tried very hard again and this time instead of giving up I just pushed myself harder. When tryouts were over and they called all of us into the cafeteria we all lined up and the judges thanked us for trying out. They began reading the list of girls who made it. Once again my throat grew tight as my heart began to pound. Thoughts began to flood my head again. I shut my eyes and just listened. The list began to grow short and my named still hadn’t been called. And then they finally said “And Andrea.” My name was the last on this list. But I couldn’t believe I made it this time. My smile was huge and I was very proud of myself. As the great season ended I just kept thinking “what if I would have quit and just never tried back out?” I would have missed out on all those fun and wonderful experiences. Cheerleading was a great experience that was great for me. Quitting wouldn’t have been good in that situation.

But, quitting isn’t a terrible thing in all situations. When I was about 2 years old my dad and mother split up. When they got a divorce not only did he stop being my mom’s husband but he stopped being my dad. He wouldn’t speak to me for years and never took care of me. I would call him all the time, at least twice a day. I would pray and hope every night that he would come around. He would call every once in a while and tell me he was coming and then never show up. I would clean and cook and stay up waiting for him to show and he never did. My relationship with my dad caused me to trust few and not be very affectionate. It caused me to be very angry and emotional at times. I’ve been going through this for about 15 years now. And I am now 17 years old and I just recently over the summer decided to just GIVE UP on him. He was ruining my life. Making me cry constantly, hurting my feelings, and making me angry. My father is a liar and a bottle full of broken promises. My father is the first man to ever truly break my heart. But since he’s choosing to not be a part of my life I have chosen to not let him affect mine and move on.  So I gave up on him. And I don’t regret it or feel like it was a bad decision. Something’s aren’t good for you and you NEED to give up on them.

I think in many situations quitting isn’t the right choice, but honestly it depends on your situation. And you need to give up or quit sometimes. But other times giving up or quitting can prove that you’re not ready to work up to your full potential.