Dear Rejection,

In most cases, people would look you in the face and say "screw you," and I understand why. You make people feel useless, depending on what kind of form you take. You can appear in workplaces, opportunities in the community, educational facilities, and throughout life. In the face of adversity, many people would give up. They would sulk and walk away, completely leaving it in the dust. However, I have a different outlook on your presence.

Without you, some of the most influential people in history wouldn't be who they are. At 23, Oprah was fired from her job. If you're surprised by this fact, well, you shouldn't be. At that point in time, Oprah wasn't the Oprah we know. She was a cocky young woman who was fired so she could become the woman we all know now. In 1919, Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star for "lack of imagination." Obviously, we all know that though it wasn't a mistake, it pushed him to showcase all of his creativity, thus The Walt Disney Company. Steven Spielberg was rejected from University of Southern California School of Theater, Film, and Television three times before being accepted elsewhere, where he ironically dropped out for pursue directing. If you hadn't interjected on these lives, would they be where they are now? Probably not.

You see, you basically run my life. I see you on almost a daily basis in some capacity. In many of the things that I have tried, you intervened. Whether it be a role in a show, being cast at all, a job opportunity, or college acceptances. After hearing "no" from nearly all of the opportunities in my life, pushing myself to hear just one "yes" was worth it. You are the reason I am in college pursuing my dreams. If we had met years earlier, I would've karate chopped you in the throat for screwing up my life, but as I reflect back on those years, there's only one thing I can say to you.

I want to thank you. Without you constantly interrupting my life, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be as driven as I am. Without you, my dreams are within reach, and I am more determined than ever. After consistently hearing everyone's least favorite two-letter word, I've started to take it in stride. "No" has become my own personal "yes." Hearing "no" is the equivalent to "yes, try again." You keep me going, even when I don't think I have the strength or skill to keep going. So, thank you. I hope that people see you in the same light I do. That day may not be today, but someday.

Best regards,

Someone who wouldn't be where they are without you