Dear University,
A year ago when you denied my application for admission, I was heartbroken. I read the words "we're sorry," and promptly burst into tears. I walked to my car sobbing to my best friends. I will forever be grateful they reacted with nothing but kindness and concern for me on one of the worst days of my (young) life. As I caught my breath and my tears subsided, my friends reminded me that this wasn't the end of the world, even though it felt like it was. I nodded along and agreed with them, but it took me until now to genuinely believe it.
I took your denial as a statement that I wasn't good enough for your school, or any others. I now realize that nothing could be further from the truth, but it took the feeling of failure in the denial to make me see my true worth. Now as a student at the University of Michigan, I truly couldn't be happier with the way my life has turned out. I have met some of the most incredible people and formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I'm taking challenging but deeply engaging classes. I'm learning to live with a roommate, something I'd never done until coming to college. I even found myself a boyfriend, which most (if not all) college students can attest is not easy on a college campus!
Have something to say? Join Odyssey!
Looking back on the girl who sobbed in her school's parking lot a year ago, I don't see myself. I don't see the young woman I've become. That girl was sad, certainly, but more than that, she was scared. She had no idea what the future had in store for her, and she'd just seen a huge, open door slam shut in her face. It sounds cliché, but that day, what didn't kill me made me stronger. After crying for a bit, I got myself together and looked for my next step. One step after another led me to Michigan, and I am so unbelievably grateful that it did.
As I make my way through my first of four years at this extraordinary university, I carry with me the knowledge that failure will not kill me. A failed midterm, a poor grade in a class, or even stepping on the block "M" will not kill me.
Failure is so important because it teaches us how strong we are. One year later, I'm almost glad I didn't get into your university, the place I thought was the school of my dreams. Without your denial, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I have learned how to fail and how to survive, and those are lessons I will take with me throughout the rest of my college career and into the rest of my life.
Loading video...
