Embracing Redirection: Through Overcoming Setback by Mackenzie Pugh

Helen Keller once said, “a bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to make the turn.” Setbacks are a natural part of life, affecting both our careers and personal lives. For women and non-binary individuals, who often face unique societal pressures, learning to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth is a powerful act of self-empowerment.

By recognizing setbacks as part of the journey, we can shift our mindset, build resilience, and challenge rigid standards of perfection. This shift fosters personal growth, self-compassion, and deeper connections with others. With the support of a strong community, we can navigate setbacks with confidence and move forward with strength.

Setbacks: They’re Unavoidable But Not Unmanageable

The challenges that setbacks create can feel overwhelming, but by acknowledging their inevitability you can shift your mindset and view them as a growth opportunity. 2024’s Fall Retreat serves as an example of how setbacks can help you grow. Fall Retreat was an Associate Relations-led weekend social that was held in Auburn, CA. Associate Relations Director, Angel Nguyen said going into the retreat she knew “setbacks would come and they were going to be unavoidable”, but no one could have ever been prepared for water to start leaking in one of the rooms members were staying in during the retreat. 

Rather than seeing the leak as a setback, Nguyen reframed the situation and made it a memorable experience and “a lesson in communication.” She was able to remain calm under pressure, consult with her board members, and notify a plumber to come to fix the leak. By addressing the problem head-on and working collaboratively with the team, she was able to turn a frustrating situation into a prime example of adaptability and teamwork. Her story shows that you don’t have to face setbacks alone, and by shifting your mindset, you can recognize the good that can come from them.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Setbacks lead to personal growth by teaching adaptability, resilience, and strength. While they may seem frustrating or discouraging at the moment, they often push us outside our comfort zones and help us develop important life skills. I experienced this firsthand when I broke my phone during my first two weeks at UC Davis. I had planned to network and step out of my shell, but I was using my phone as a crutch to avoid socializing. Without it, I had no choice but to engage with people directly.

Though it was inconvenient, I reframed the situation as an opportunity to challenge myself. Over the next two weeks, I overcame my social anxiety and learned that discomfort can drive personal growth. By the time my new phone arrived, I felt more confident and comfortable making small talk, realizing that setbacks can lead to valuable lessons in resilience and connection. This experience showed me that obstacles, no matter how small, can serve as stepping stones for self-improvement. When you embrace challenges instead of avoiding them, you open yourself up to new experiences and unexpected growth.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Many people mistakenly believe they have to face setbacks alone when they don’t. When my financial aid package was delayed, I felt overwhelmed by the possibility of not being able to take classes. I thought no one was in my corner, but once I stopped trying to fix the problem myself and turned to my mom for help, she guided me on how to contact financial aid and what to say. This experience reminded me of the power of community—having people who are there for you during tough times can make all the difference. By allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and lean on others, we create a cycle of shared growth and understanding, where we can support each other through challenges.

OWN IT's External Affairs Director, Olivia Bates, shared a similar experience with me about her struggles with test-taking. She joined the OWN IT Board as a Freshman, helping to plan its annual professional conference. In 2023, the event expanded into a two-day festival.

During a conversation with a fellow board member, she admitted, “I could not focus on the test because of noises in the classroom.” They then introduced her to the quiet testing room on campus. This simple resource made a world of difference, helping her concentrate during exams. It also sparked a journey of self-reflection, starting with a mental health check that led her to uncover the root of her struggles. Eventually, she discovered she has misophonia. “Any noise triggers a fight-or-flight response,” she explained. Bates’ story highlights the power of vulnerability and seeking support, showing how they can lead to unexpected solutions and personal growth.

Conclusion

Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to hold us back. Whether it’s overcoming unexpected challenges, reframing situations as opportunities, or leaning on others for support, each obstacle can teach us valuable lessons. By embracing setbacks with an open mind and a strong community, we can turn difficulties into stepping stones for growth. In the end, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about moving forward with greater strength and confidence.