You look at social media and you see that the girl that sits next to you in class just received an offer to an internship in Rome for her major. Likewise, the boy that lives across from you just took a research offer that will look amazing on his resume. Another girl got into a honors society, and your best friend just got into a happy relationship.
You think to yourself that you applied for all of these job opportunities and academic programs that relate to your major but you're still at a standstill. You worry that you're falling behind the people you're age.
You wonder "Why does it seem like everyone is doing something and I am accomplishing nothing?"
But the truth is it just isn't your time yet. Your time will come. Just because it did not happen today does not mean it will not happen tomorrow.
Instead of pondering all the things you haven't done yet, focus on what you could do to get there. Hard work truly does pay off.
Also, don't forget to congratulate yourself for what you have accomplished so far, even the little things too. Going to college in the first place is a major accomplishment. College is the first step to bigger things.
You will do many many great things as you go on, nothing ever happens right away. Great things take hard work. But in the end, you will study abroad or get that internship or join that sorority, whatever your goal is.
And if you don't get in...
Rejections are just redirections for better things.
Because not everything you will do or want to do is best for you. And that is okay. You will come across things you thought you were meant to do only to find out it isn't for you.
You will find your "thing", though. Accepting this fact will certainly allow you to learn more about yourself and what you want to accomplish. Never let failure or setbacks stop you from doing what you love.
Think about your life a few years ago and think about your life now. You were probably a completely different person then. A person with different goals, friends, wants and needs.
Then think about the person you are now. If you're a college student, think about the struggle and hardship it took just to get to college in the first place. Think about the hours you spent studying, applying, writing, etc.
Think back for a second, because you probably experienced some sort of struggle or obstacle.
In your freshman year of high school, you probably thought that college was impossible. I know I did, and look where I am now.
Finally, do not be afraid to challenge yourself and to take risks. If you come across an opportunity that you feel is out of your reach, maybe considering going for it anyways. Sometimes the best things in life are completely unexpected.
All in all, your time will come someday. Never limit yourself, because you may just be surprised by the outcome.
And remember:
"What if it doesn't work out? Ah, but what if it does." - Peter Mcwilliams