How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?

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Given the often stressful academic and clinical workload of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, your interviewers know that most students experience setbacks in their work over the four years of the program. They also know that everyone handles the stress and disappointment of these setbacks differently, and they want to hear how you handle setbacks in your work.

While attending dental school, your grades can determine your future career's success. Tell the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks to let them know that you can handle any that you face at Nova Southeastern University. Focus your answer on your ability to stay positive, take accountability, and learn from any mistakes you may make.

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen to everyone - despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief internally, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

Anonymous Answer

"At first, I do get disappointed since I failed to do my best. Gradually, I feel comfortable with it and try to understand why that happened in the first place and work on the mistakes that led me to the setback."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems that you hold yourself to a very high standard. Trying to understand and learn from the setback is the most critical factor. If you have a specific example to offer, this question is an excellent opportunity to do so.