It’s about that time that people find out about their college decisions- accepted, denied, waitlisted… that day before the decision is faced with dealing with anxiety- a constant, knot in your stomach as it tightens as the day gets closer. As the time of 5:00 p.m. that day, it’s there. Your hands sweat more as it gets closer, as you refresh the portal to the page 500 times that day just to see if it’s up yet.
It loads, and it’s there- you reread, over and over, eyes scrolling as they well up with tears. The decision is made, and for some reason, they couldn’t find the reasons you have for accepting you. It doesn’t make sense. Countless hours on your essays, how you felt when you walked through the campus and felt peace at what already felt like home. That the best was truly yet to come.
It is still there- the best is still yet to come- you just may not see it. That this was some sort of blessing in disguise. It’s hard to see that in the moment when you feel unwanted, unloved, or inadequate. But this is what’s true- you are wanted. You are smart- you have a wonderful hope in your future, and it’s so bright. You are destined for greatness- just believe.
You’re meant to go places- see beyond this one moment. You will go to the school you are meant to attend, even if you don’t see it. You're meant for the full experience. You will still fall in love with the football games, meet cute boys, take classes you’re in love with and hate, find you best friend, late night diners somewhere and miss home. You’re going to fall in love with being a freshman and your life because college anywhere is such an experience- filled with best friends, amazing memories you may or may not remember, and will fly by.
Don’t throw out your Pinterest dorm room board because it didn’t work out- keep adding, keep designing, and make it what you want! Visit the schools you got into already, and see where you feel led... because you will.
Focus on the schools who saw your worth, who want you. Don’t believe it’s ruined, or blame yourself- don’t have regrets. Or be filled with bitter that it didn’t work out. What’s meant to be will be, and you will find joy where you end up- where you are meant to end up.
