"Failure is a step towards success". How did the failure in the first competition help Ebright in becoming a successful scientist?

Failure is the first step towards success because it makes you realise the mistakes commited in the earlier attempt. It also makes success a goal to be achieved by real zeal, passion and hardwork. When Ebright failed at the first competition in county science fair, he realised the meaning of real science. He understood that science is not all about neat display; rather it is a matter of real experimentation. Having realised this, he never looked back and continued new experiments with sheer competitive spirit. Now, he not only won at every successive stage but each victory also opened a new door towards a bigger achievement. His competitiveness finally made him a successful scientist in real sense of the term.