Episode 2: Rejection

As I’m filling out applications for organizations I can’t help but thinking about the “what if’s?” maybe I’m not involved enough, not outgoing enough, or simply not enough. I know I’m not the only one who is fighting this internal struggle so let’s talk about it. No one wants to be rejected but it’s simply a part of life, an extremely vital part of your life. I believe that there are two ways to take rejection, you can either run with it and work on yourself or choose to be bitter about it for the rest of your existence. To grow, you must take the rejection for what it is and nothing more, maybe this organization is not in your plan or the timing simply isn’t right. Also, never go into any application or interview thinking “I won’t get this, there’s no way.” YOU have to believe in yourself before another person can be expected to believe in you. Take this rejection as an opportunity to branch out, try new things, and meet new people; in many ways failure leads to the greatest successes. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a dance officer for my schools dance team, so I went into sophomore year ready and willing to tryout. Of course tryouts were at the end of the year and that’s when my emotions were spiraling out of control to the point where I couldn’t give my best audition. At the time not making dance officer felt like the worst possible thing that would ever happen to me, it truly turned out to be my biggest blessing. I was not in the right head space to lead my team and I would never want to let them down. So throughout the year I worked hard on my dancing and even harder on myself. I grew and I learned and I re-auditioned, I finally made officer and this time I was able to lead my lovely team alongside my best friends. I always reflect on this experience and get mad at myself for how narrow minded and reactionary I was to anything and everything that wouldn’t go my way. I know reading that email was tough, this idea that being in this organization is necessary to college has been drilled into you since you stepped foot on campus, but college isn’t about an organization College is about the people you meet and the experiences you get to have. Take the time to do that one thing you said you were going to do or simply try something new. Before you react to a rejection take the time to reflect and remind yourself that it is simply not your time. I know you’re sad right now, and I know it’s going to be hard when you see pictures on social media… but you will be okay. You choose how you will let this affect you, this decision is not the end, I know it’s out of your hands and it sucks but it does get better. If you get anything from this post just remember to see rejection as a redirection.

You are LOVED. You are NEEDED. You are ENOUGH.