By Ashley Williams
I have to be honest, I am beat down with “no” after “no” and all of these rejections. It seems like during the last few months, every opportunity that I truly wanted, I haven’t gotten. Even when I’ve felt I was a perfect candidate. I’m usually a pretty positive person because I believe everything happens for a reason. I truly believe God has a plan for me. However, this process has been truly discouraging for me. This makes me extremely nervous considering I graduate in 4 months and will need a full-time job.
There is this constant theme in my life where I feel like I put in way more than I get back. It’s like I see my worth, but others do not. That’s what rejection feels like: a constant invalidation of everything I’ve worked towards. With all of the time, energy, and MONEY I’ve put into school, I’m so scared it will all be in vain. I know somebody can relate to what I’m saying. It’s like the job searching process is specifically designed to tear you down.
What is a girl to do? I pray for patience and faith. I pray for an overabundance of blessings. The only way I am able to overcome these feelings of defeat and bounce back is belief, trust, and faith. I couldn’t have come this far to just fall on my face. I need to give myself some grace. I am worthy of that job. I am worthy of success. I have to know that wherever I land it’ll be worth it. It has to be worth it. I claim that.
When rejection comes, it is so easy to beat yourself down and absorb yourself in all your insecurities. Even in the midst of setbacks, I have to learn to be kind to myself. I’m always giving others the benefit of the doubt. As a social worker, I always look for the good in others. Who people truly are, despite their setbacks. But what about the good in myself? I’m worthy of that. I am worthy of the kindness I extend to others. Please be kind to yourself, even when rejection comes. Pour into yourself what others won’t. Positive self-talk is the key to breaking through negativity. Continue to pursue your potential and run towards your goals. What’s for you, is for you and no one can take that away. That’s what I will continue to tell myself.
Ashley Williams is a Contributing Writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC.
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