I Regret to Inform You…

Dear Reader,

I regret to inform you that this may not be the last time you read those words.

Reflecting on all the times I have faced rejection takes me no more than five minutes. I can count the major rejections I’ve experienced on one hand, and honestly, even those never stung for more than a few days. I’m not sharing this to brag or to suggest I never face rejection. Rather, I am forcing myself to confront a cold, hard truth: I have never pushed myself hard enough into spaces where I knew I might not be wanted.

The world is an extremely competitive place. Most of my life, I have found it easier to stay in my comfort zone because that was good enough. I was never the one to make the first move or place all my eggs in one basket. While I always worked diligently, I never doubted my innate ability to reach my goals or climb the hierarchical ladder the world seems to operate on. It wasn’t until I entered the competitive environment of my dream in-state university that I realized I was only signing up for the rejection I had managed to avoid.

It’s easy to stand out when you’re the cream of the crop, but much harder to thrust yourself into uncomfortable spaces where you might be the least qualified or the one who doesn’t have any of the answers. Nonetheless, this is the only way to truly distinguish yourself. I understand how difficult it is to fill out countless applications with the knowledge that your responses may not even be considered. I know what it feels like to be hopeless. Yet, I’ve learned that setting yourself up for failure is sometimes the only way to understand what success feels like.

This semester, I faced rejection from four different organizations. I sat in my car, venting to a friend, and felt lost when nothing seemed to work out. I was upset and discouraged, convinced that if I couldn’t succeed at this level, I’d never make it in the competitive job market or higher school admissions. However, after a few days of reflection, I remembered why I applied for these positions in the first place and decided how to move forward. For a long time, I allowed every external factor to determine my self worth. This time, I would not become a product of my rejection. If nothing else, I would do the work without needing the prestige.

In my opinion, rejection is just a part of life. It means you’re taking risks and working toward goals you haven’t yet achieved but will one day surpass. Rejection isn’t the end of your journey; it’s merely a detour. When you apply for a position, the title is often not the final goal. You don’t just apply to become a medical student; you apply to learn about the human body and how to treat it. You don’t just apply for an internship; you apply to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the job market. I didn’t just apply to become a volunteer; I applied to make a direct impact in my community.

Whether it’s easy or not, there’s always another path to your final goal. This doesn’t mean you should give up on medical school, an internship, or that volunteer position. It simply means that, for now, you should find other ways to progress. If I can’t volunteer in the role I wanted, I will find another way to offer my time and services. I will seek other opportunities to learn and expand my experience. I will find another way. This is what some call resilience—a vital trait that any admissions board will admire.

I admit that rejection hurts. However, the more I face it, the easier it becomes to handle. The best opportunities come to those who keep trying. So, while I may have been rejected from four positions, I kept trying on different paths until I got one I truly wanted. It only takes one “Congratulations” to open the door to new experiences, skills, and connections that might propel you farther than you ever expected.

 “I think all great innovations are built on rejections.” – Louise Berliawsky Nevelson

Happy Living