Here I am at 3:00 AM, working on my admissions essay with high expectations of getting accepted into my dream school. But maybe fate works differently for each of us. While some of my friends got into their dream schools, I was devastated when I opened the results on the school’s website. In a matter of seconds, I felt all my dreams crumble. I kept rethinking my decisions and wondering where I went wrong.
When I saw the rejection, a wave of self-doubt crashed over me. I questioned my abilities, my worth, and everything I had worked so hard for. Was I not good enough? Did I miss something crucial? The endless hours of studying, the sacrifices, the hopes — all seemed wasted. My heart ached as I compared myself to my friends who had succeeded, feeling like I was left behind like I had failed.
“I don’t mean to be jealous,” I confessed to a friend, “but seeing others pass while I didn’t made me doubt myself. It made me think, what is for me? What was I made for?”
I used to know exactly what I wanted. I had a clear vision of my future and the steps I needed to take to get there. But now, I’m not so sure. Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For?” really hits home for me right now: “I used to know, but I’m not sure now.” It captures how I’m feeling as I search for my purpose and place in the world, especially when things don’t go as planned. The song’s simple melody and thoughtful lyrics remind me that we are all on a journey to find out what we are truly meant to do.
I know many of us have a certain path we expect to follow, but sometimes things don’t work out the way we planned. As corny as it sounds, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Whatever path we end up on in our journey is the one meant for us. It’s hard not to feel discouraged and to question everything when you don’t achieve your goals. But I’m trying to remind myself that this isn’t the end. It’s a detour, not a dead end.
I hope this quote can help someone out there, especially if you feel like you’ll never get to where you want to be: “What’s meant for you will NOT pass you by.” You will end up where you are meant to be. Maybe it’s not a rejection, but a redirection — a redirection toward a brighter future.
It’s difficult to see the bigger picture when you’re in the midst of disappointment. But I believe the universe, or fate puts things that are meant for you in your path. I truly believe this. But what most people don’t realize is that you still have to recognize those opportunities when they come and choose whether to pursue them or not. There will be chances, but whether or not you take advantage of them is up to you.
I just want to tell everyone applying this cycle that even though it can be incredibly demotivating and frustrating at times, you ARE good enough to pursue your dreams. All it takes is one acceptance. And if this isn’t your year, if you have a passion, pursue it. I don’t believe I am an exceptional student, but maybe we all feel this way. It gets better, I promise! Good luck everyone, life always finds a way!
The journey to our dreams is rarely a straight line. There will be twists and turns, moments of doubt and fear, but also moments of hope and triumph. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Every closed door is a sign that we are being guided to something better, something that truly aligns with who we are meant to be.
Embrace the uncertainty. Trust the process. Know that you are resilient and capable of achieving greatness, even if the path looks different from what you imagined. Life has a way of surprising us with unexpected blessings when we least expect them. Keep your heart open and your spirit strong.
Remember, “What’s meant for you will not pass you by.” Hold onto this truth. Let it give you strength in moments of doubt and lift you up when you feel defeated. You are on a unique journey, and every step, every experience, is shaping you into the person you are meant to become.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
In the end, it’s not about the destination but the journey. It’s about the growth, the lessons, and the resilience you build along the way. Keep believing in yourself, keep pursuing your passions, and know that you are deserving of all the wonderful things that are coming your way. Life always finds a way to bring us to where we are meant to be.
