Do you recall your first experience of winning something? For me, it was when I snagged second place at my sixth-grade science fair. While every participant in my class received a ribbon—either first, second, or third—I didn’t consider it a momentous victory.
My project revolved around static electricity, a topic I selected for reasons I can’t quite remember. Perhaps it was inspired by a captivating image I spotted in a magazine, showcasing a Van de Graaff generator, an intriguing device that generates such a charge that it makes your hair stand on end. It appeared to have great entertaining potential. The challenge was how to acquire one.
That’s when my brilliant grandfather came into play. He was a whiz at building and fixing things. After showing him the magazine photo, he eagerly accepted the challenge. A few weeks later, he arrived at our home with a remarkable miniature replica of the generator. It was astonishingly accurate, except for one crucial detail.
“Why doesn’t it work?” I inquired, cranking the small handle and expecting an electrifying surprise.
My grandfather might have been hurt by my disappointment, but it was a reflection of my unwavering trust in his abilities. I genuinely believed that by merely showing him that photo, he could create an electrostatic generator. In my eyes, he was a genius. However, with a science fair to win, I was hoping for something a little more dynamic.
For some reason, I chose not to include the faux generator in my display, which resulted in a rather lackluster presentation. On my assigned table, I had crafted a sign with silver spray paint that boldly proclaimed STATIC ELECTRICITY!!, framed by lightning bolts. I also had a basket filled with balloons and various fabrics, inviting the judges to rub them together for a few shocks. The biggest surprise of the day was that I even managed to secure a second-place ribbon.
You’re probably thinking I got what I deserved for expecting my grandfather to do the heavy lifting. That lesson has stuck with me. Yet, I also remember that two of the first-place winners had an unfair advantage: one was a lad whose father was a surgeon, and he had dressed in scrubs while running a video of a surgical staple demonstration. The other winner simply showcased his Atari console, a sure winner in terms of audience engagement.
Another takeaway? Life isn’t always fair. We all do what we can—often relying on others—to get ahead.
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In summary, my experience at the science fair taught me that relying on others can sometimes lead to disappointment, and that life’s outcomes often depend on factors beyond our control.