Failure vs Not Trying
Hi, I am Jessica Randall, a driven technologist and mathematician with a strong passion for solving complex problems and building impactful technology. I have completed my Master’s degree in Mathematics, with a research focus on Topological Data Analysis, and maintain a deep interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Alongside my academic work, I am an Android developer who believes in using technology to create meaningful, real-world impact.
I bring a proven track record of leadership and community building through roles such as Women Techmakers Ambassador, Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (Alumni), Golden Key Member, and GDSC Alumni Lead. Through these roles, I actively advocate for equitable access to opportunities in technology and enjoy mentoring others to help them grow and succeed.
My love for mathematics is rooted in its depth, structure, and ability to model and understand complex systems. I am continuously motivated to learn, challenge myself, and bridge rigorous mathematical thinking with practical software engineering. With determination, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, I am committed to making a meaningful contribution at the intersection of mathematics and technology.
Recently, I organized my first tech event for the community, but it did not go as planned. With fewer attendees than expected and the event running overtime, I felt like it was a disaster. I was disappointed, and the experience left me feeling down. It made me question whether it was worth trying at all, as failure seemed inevitable.
Most people view failure as an enemy rather than a friend, but I have come to realize that this is not the case. My mentor, someone close to me, once asked me, "If you were applying for a job right now and the requirements were experience in hosting tech events and your last event was a failure, but the other person has no experience in hosting tech events, who do you think they would hire?" I was surprised to learn that the person who had failed before would be hired.
Failure is not something to be feared, but it is a friend that can teach us valuable lessons. A friend is someone who tells us when we are wrong and how to improve, and who supports us as we try again.
After reflecting on my event, I realized that it wasn't a complete failure. I had focused too much on the negative aspects, such as attendance, instead of seeing the positive parts. A friend once told me that the value provided to the audience is what defines the success of an event, not just the numbers.
The most important lesson that I learned was to provide value to the audience, no matter the size of the event. I also learned that just because some parts of an experience don't go as planned, it doesn't mean that the whole thing is a failure. We often forget to see the great parts of an experience when things go wrong.
My mentor was right; trying and failing is better than not trying at all. Failure is how we learn and improve our skills. So, I now understand that trying is essential, and it's through trying that we get better at any skill.
