Describe an experience where you behaved foolishly at first and then took steps to rectify the situation.

"Son, are you sure about this? You fell off your first tricycle and fractured your arm falling off your
bicycle at seven. Now, you're telling one that you want to race in your first bike-a-thou?" Mum questioned
disbelievingly, her voice rising with each word she spoke.
Turning to Dad, Mum appealed to him to knock some sense into me. Dad sighed and said, "For once,
let him do as he wishes. He has to learn to take care of himself. The practice sessions with his team will
prepare him for the outing. -
Knowing that the discussion was over, Mum shook her head and threw up her hands in despair.
Armed with the reluctant approval from my parents, I started practising hard for the bike-a-thon. I
attended training workshops conducted by seasoned cyclists. I learned helpful tips to handle road
conditions and unexpected occurrences. I thought I was fully prepared for the race. How wrong I was!

During a practice race around a rough trail, the tyre of my bicycle fell into a pothole. The bicycle chain
became loose and seconds later, I found myself crashing into a bush. My team members quickly helped me up. I
had narrowly escaped with minor bruises and abrasions.
At the sight of my new injuries, Mum voiced her concerns at the "omen" and requested that I pulled
out of the race. However, I was convinced that this was just an unexpected incident. I promised to be more
careful.
On the morning of the event, Mum kept silent while I gave my bicycle and protective gear a final check
before proceeding to the venue. "Good luck, SOT1 and stay safe!" Mum wished me.
As I waited in line with the other cyclists, I glanced to the side where Mum and Dad stood anxiously
among the spectators. Recalling my accident a few days ago, I suddenly realised how worried they must be
for their only child.
Realising that "It is better to be safe than sorry", I approached my team leader. I explained that I was
not having cold feet, but I was aware that as a novice, I should gain more experience first before participating
in a race. This time, I wanted to just complete the bike-a-thon and be certified as a marathon cyclist.
With an understanding twinkle in his eye, the team leader said, "You have matured. it is not time for you
today, but soon you will he a champion in your own right."
I gave a thumb-up sign to my teammates and went to the rear. Mum and Dad smiled broadly when they saw
me at the tail end of the team. I was going to have the best day of my life: cycling for fun and vet winning the
race of my life.