history: I entered a writing contest. I was really hoping to at least final in it, even if I didn't win, but I didn't. I was sad.  I entered a writing contest_comma_ but I didn't final in it. I was disappointed about that. Sorry about that. You should try again and stay confident. The most important is to try.
current: That's how I feel. Every time one thing doesn't get accepted, I submit something else. 
next: Good. Stay focus and you will have success. We always learn something in our good and bad experiences.