top of page

Crossing Paths with Rejection and What It Taught Me

Writer's picture: Wix FreaksWix Freaks

Rejection is simply a detour. It doesn't mean your destination is not reachable." - Joyce Meyer

rejection taught me

It was 2018, and I was getting ready for my USA visa interview. I was so excited for one of the biggest days of my life (or so I thought at the time). I was preparing to go to NASA on an educational trip from my junior college. I thought it would be a breeze - just some paperwork, and a few simple questions, and I'd have my visa in hand.


I had to make a deal with my parents to be able to go on this trip. I was preparing for IIT, and they asked me to give up the phone I had just gotten after high school. It hadn't even been a year. But the opportunity to go to the USA was too good to pass up, so I agreed without much thought. Giving up my phone was their way of making sure I focused more on my studies, but I found other distractions, like coding on computers (now I believe, maybe it was meant to be).


We stood in line outside the embassy, waiting patiently. I felt pretty confident. Looking back, I might have been a bit too confident. I was the first to be interviewed. The interviewer began asking questions, and I answered them with confidence. However, I made a mistake when she inquired about my international travel experiences. I mentioned a trip to Dubai, but when she asked about other trips, I mistakenly thought she was only referring to international ones. It turns out she was also interested in domestic travel. I just kept saying no which led to miscommunication.


They said if they don't return your passport, you're lucky, and if they do return it, you're rejected. She handed me back my passport, along with a rejection letter. I was stunned. I kept calm on the outside, but inside I was paralyzed with shock. My heart raced, and I struggled to keep it together.


I was completely baffled by what transpired. This was a first for me, as I've never faced rejection in the past (Probably because I hadn’t ever really stepped out of my comfort zone). I sat outside, patiently waiting for my friends. Everyone's passport was approved, except mine. I couldn't help but feel a bit more humiliated.


I immediately called my dad and told him what had happened. And for what he did next, I’ll forever be grateful. He told me that it was okay and we could try again. He assured me that we could try again.


It may seem like a small issue, but it had a significant impact on me. I couldn't sleep for three consecutive nights, having nightmares of being rejected by the interviewer. I couldn't understand why it affected me so deeply, and I still don't have the answer. Regardless, I'm grateful that it happened.


My father stood by me every step of the way. We reapplied, I was fully prepared, and not overly confident this time. I responded accurately to every question.


This time, my passport was not returned. I can't even begin to describe the overwhelming joy I felt. I was incredibly happy, with a smile that wouldn't leave my face. I felt a sense of relaxation, calmness, and excitement all at once. As I stepped outside, I dialed my dad's number and calmly shared the news, although he could sense the excitement and happiness in my voice and congratulated me.


What Rejection Taught Me:

  • I am not invincible; rejection can happen to anyone.

  • I never want to experience rejection again because it's incredibly painful, which is why I will strive to avoid it.

  • Rejection is a natural part of life, and it would be a shame to give up without trying again. Believe me, if you persist and keep trying, you can achieve your goal and experience immense joy.

  • While rejections may be tough to handle, they are not the end of the world. You will overcome them and bounce back stronger.



That initial rejection stung, but it proved to be a turning point. Rejection taught me some valuable lessons. The experience helped me understand humility and perseverance. It taught me that setbacks are a part of life, but they don't define us.


Now, when faced with rejection, I don’t look at it negatively. I remind myself, and as I would advise you, that it is a learning experience. I analyze the situation, adjust my approach, and keep pushing forward.


Rejection, though painful, can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Learn from the setbacks, and never give up on your dreams.

12 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page