I remember that the first time I came to America, I did not even know what a “Fraternity” was. I usually heard the word when I hung out with my American friends. They were talking about it a lot. They told me a “frat” is like a group of people who hangout or live together to share a bond of brotherhood, which is usually based on the same interests or hobbies. Later, some of those people joined a business fraternity. They started telling me that how great their fraternity is and wanted me to join too. I was a bit swayed. Even though my other friend was not really supporting me to rush because she thought it would cost me so much money and time, I still went to the rush events. However, due to little knowledge about people skills, I was kicked out in the first round. In the second semester, I prepared a lot in advance. I revised my application essays and resume again and over again. I tried to build up a connection with brothers at the events so they would at least be able to recognize me. The efforts I made got me a ticket to the last interview. Unfortunately, I did not get in. I was sad and couldn’t accept that some candidates got it rather than me. I knew that I couldn’t get in mostly because I did not match their “taste”, or they thought that I was just “not that professional."

There's a Chinese saying: “Failure is the mother of success”." Before you attain success, God will always make you get over some obstacles for learning. For those people who did not end up in the business fraternity they wanted, you've had an amazing learning experience.

• You have talked to lots of people, and learned how to set up networks and find interesting topics.

• Your people skills have improved a lot and you won’t be as shy anymore when you share your ideas in front of the public next time.

• You acquired more basic business knowledge from case studies.

• You’ve made new friends.

• You know you need to be more professional so when you go back home you will start to do more self-studies to make yourself more competitive.

• You are actually ahead of most people in school since you know what you want.

If you still want to join one business frat, you can either go rush the same one next recruit period. Maybe your passion will be seen and help you to finally get in. Or, you could rush another one. You have more than one option, so don’t trap yourself in one place. Try something new and maybe you'll like it more.

Trust yourself and be proactive.