The first and most important thing that I would like to say is thank you. I would never replace the awesome friends I’ve made at my current university, and I wouldn’t have been the beautiful and intelligent person that I am today. My first year as a college student has been incredible, and I wouldn’t want to spend it at any other school, but the one I go to now.
I have to be honest, I was disappointed in myself at first. I felt like I let myself and my family down. You were the school that I always dreamed of attending since I was a kid. I attended a few of your sporting events with my family growing up. And the day I toured you, I could vividly see myself walking to my future classes around your campus. I fell in love with everything about you and what you had to offer. After that day, I was determined to be a part of your student body. And so I worked. Hard.
I gave me the final few of my high school semesters an extra push just to prove to you that I had what it takes to be accepted. I started your application very early in my senior year and spent several days on it. I presented to you my strengths, aspirations, and achievements I have made in my life. I remember looking through my entire application right before submitting it and feeling very nervous, but optimistic. After clicking “submit”, I felt the stress leave my body. Then, the waiting game began.
I never felt so anxious in my life. I imagined being accepted and jumping for joy with my family surrounding me. I also imagined being denied and how I would react to that. I had mixed emotions, but I was confident in myself that I had what you needed. After a few months, you sent me an email.
I couldn’t believe it. I stared at my computer screen for a while. I re-read it over and over again just in case my eyes were fooling me, but they weren’t. You denied me. You didn’t need me at your school. I remember you mentioned something about “limited space”, but that couldn’t be the sole reason. Something was missing from my application. Something just wasn’t good enough. I felt disappointed in myself for quite a while. I failed, but this failure didn't mean it was the end.
This meant that there was something better for me. Attending your school was not the path for me to take. There was another school that would shape me in a positive way and makes me a better person. That school was the University of South Florida. Attending this school has been (and always will be) one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’ve met amazing people and had some of the greatest experiences, and I’m proud to be a part of this community.
Again, I would like to say thank you and that I’m glad you rejected me. My life wouldn’t be where it is right now without your decision.
