By Ben Gula, @ben.gula | Neuqua Valley High School, IL
Senior year is the best time to live in the moment. Dancing your heart out at prom, enjoying the skies at senior sunset and cherishing the final moments with your classmates. Yet as graduation approaches, many students find themselves anxious about what’s next, especially when a college rejection arrives. But rejection isn’t the end of the story; it is the start of a new direction.
Rejection Is Not a Definition
All the time, dedication and passion you poured towards your academics, extracurriculars and awards are not erased by a single rejection; those achievements will always be part of who you are.
Here are some healthy ways to navigate a moment of rejection:
- Allow yourself time to process the decision
- Avoid comparing your journey to others
- Lean on your mentors, supporters and loved ones
Remember, a rejection is not a reflection of your worth—it is a sign that a better path awaits you.
Discover a New Path
Every individual has a future full of unlimited opportunities, and even a small rejection can open the door to making them possible.
Here are a few methods to help guide your future toward the path right for you:
- Reassess your personal and career goals to identify where they can be met
- Visit a college that fits both your academic and social needs
- Pursue a college that aligns with your values and passions
Your journey will never end because of a single roadblock. By investing time, energy and dedication, the path that's the best fit for you will take shape.
Utilize the remainder of your senior year to make the best decisions for your future, while still savoring the present and treasuring the time you have left in high school to end on a strong note.
