TSA Nationals Bomb
Leading up to nats, I thought I was for sure going home with a top 5 at nationals. My bridge was getting 90+ efficiency, and I was still testing it every single day. I was mentored by the two greatest bridge builders in the nation, R.G and S.L (who later both got top 3 at nationals after their thousands of hours grinding), and I also got my bridge inspected by them wayyyyy past my curfew.
However, I never really paid attention to the semifinal. I wish I had practiced more freehanding and double-checked every dimension. My second bridge didn't fit on the abutments, which destroyed any chance for me to achieve a top 5 (27 efficiency). I failed myself, my partner, my friends, and my school.
I still blame myself for what happened at semis, but looking back, I can't say it wasn't a learning experience. I understand what went wrong now, and next year it won't be my first year doing structural. Every year is a new learning experience--heck, last year I didn't even make it past regionals.
Next year, I will try 100x harder to hold a trophy with R.G and S.L on stage, and bring a trophy home to my chapter.
Big shoutout to Riyaz, Sean, and the best chapter president who supported my high school TSA career (Northwestern is lucky to have you).
