Anamika Jha

One Bold Idea: The Wall of Brave Tries

We often hear about people’s successes—the trophies, the perfect grades, the roles they earned. But we rarely hear about the moments that didn’t go well. The times they tried, failed, and didn’t make it. And I think that silence is where so many of us start feeling alone.

That’s why I want to start something called “The Wall of Brave Tries.” It’s a simple space—maybe a board in school or a shared digital journal—where students and teachers can write about a time they failed, didn’t get selected, or just messed up, but still learned something from it. It doesn’t need to be signed unless someone wants to. The point is: we’re sharing not because we’re proud of the failure, but because we were brave enough to try.

This idea came to me after I changed schools. Everyone around me seemed to have already achieved so much. I started doubting myself. But as I got to know them better, I realised they had their own stories of rejection, fear, and not being “enough.” They just didn’t talk about it. That made me realise that it’s not success that makes people strong—it’s what they do after they fail.

For me, this matters because I’ve felt that pressure to be perfect. To not make mistakes. To always be “on.” And I know so many others feel that too. But what if we created a space where failure was not shameful, but just a part of growth? Where we could look at that wall and feel like we weren’t alone?

To get this started, I would begin with my own story. I’d write it down—something real, something raw. Then, I’d invite a few classmates and teachers to do the same. We could update it every week. Maybe even turn it into a small podcast, or have something called “Failure Fridays” where one story gets shared during assembly or online.

The best part? It costs nothing. All it needs is honesty, leadership, and a little courage. And I genuinely believe it can change how people see themselves—and each other.

Because sometimes the bravest thing isn’t winning.

It’s trying again when you didn’t.