How to deal with rejection.

No matter how old or experienced we are, we will always deal with some form of rejection, whether big or small. Dealing with rejection can be a difficult and painful experience. Whether it is a rejection from a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, rejection can leave us feeling disappointed, hurt, and discouraged. However, it is essential to remember that rejection is a normal part of life, and we all experience it at some point. This blog will discuss some effective strategies for coping with rejection. We have all heard or read the following messages in in-person interviews or emails. It starts all nicely, giving a false sense of hope. “Thank you for your application!” Wow, they added an exclamation point. That is a good sign, but wait…. “we regret to inform you that you were not selected to interview for the program.” or “after careful consideration of your application, we have decided to pursue other candidates whose experiences and eligibility are closely aligned to our program needs. The selection committee appreciates the time you have invested in your application.” These are two emails I got from two different internship programs I applied to back in December. The second email, in particular, hurt as it was my second year applying to this program, so I was deeply hurt. What do these other candidates have that I did not? How are my work and experience not aligned with the program, and what should I have done differently? These are just some thoughts I had while I reread the email. According to sources like Nemours KidsHealth and Psychology Today, one of the big things we can do is first recognize our feelings by being honest and acknowledging these intense feelings. After reflecting on your feelings, think positively and use rejection as an advantage. What are some things you may have missed out on in your resume or interview, and build on that. Also, I would like to emphasize avoiding any form of self-blame: It is easy to blame yourself when faced with rejection, but it is essential to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth or value. If need be, seek professional help, and in general, it is always good to seek support in times like this and challenge any negative thoughts you may have. For example, I reached out to a couple of close friends to express my frustration, especially with the program I applied to twice. Other things to do that can help deal with negative feelings and thoughts are practicing self-care, gratitude, and mindfulness. Start to focus on your strengths and embrace change. You may need to revisit your goals. Though that may be a disappointing and tedious rejection can be an opportunity for change and growth where we can explore new opportunities and experiences. The final step in dealing with rejections is to strengthen your mindset and keep putting yourself out there because, at the end of the day, these committees do not know who you really are. This rejection will not define your life! In terms of an internship rejection, it will not impact your career path, and though this might have been an internship opportunity you would love to have, there are so many more opportunities that we might even be aware of that will come our way. To end this, NEVER TAKE A REJECTION personally.

Speaking with your friends or family about your feelings. I have attached some screenshots of my conversations with friends who are my biggest supporters. In one of the conversations, my friends stated we could still go to Atlanta since I was very excited not only to intern at Morehouse College but also to explore the city.

Look at the time stamp ;) Don't lose hope!

After two denials I got accepted to the Columbia University summer Public Health Scholars Program. :)