Finding Comfort in Knowing Everything Happens for a Reason
Applying for jobs is tricky for a number of reasons. It’s exciting knowing you’re moving towards something great, yet painfully defeating getting emails saying they found a better fit– and worse, never hearing back from them at all. Many college seniors and those who have trekked the job hunt mountain before can relate. It’s a never-ending cycle of getting your hopes up and crashing back down not too long after.
Something similar to this experience is applying to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School . Hundreds of hopeful UNC students apply every fall. They take months to perfect their dense application which consists of 5 essay questions and a hefty set of personal questions. It’s like applying to college all over again, except this time you’re competing with a pool of students from one of the best universities in the nation. I was one of these students during the fall of 2023.
I applied to, what UNC students call, the “B-School” and was as bright-eyed and hopeful as ever. Of course, I was nervous about the outcome, but given my experience and essays, I was hopeful they would grant me admission.
After completing my application and finally getting the courage to press “submit,” I had to not-so-patiently wait months longer for the decisions to come out. October 16th rolls around – AKA “Dooms Day” as Gwendolyn Fink and I call it. We open our applications together. I volunteered to go first to get it over with.
REJECTED. “It is with regret that we are unable to offer you admission to the program for this cycle.”
I was heartbroken.
Being admitted to 2 incredible universities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Brown University, I had never really experienced rejection like this. I always thought that if I worked hard in all of my endeavors and adequately displayed that, it would be enough to take me where I pleased. The B-School proved me wrong.
At first, I was incredibly defeated. I knew I had to break the news to my family, friends, and teammates who supported me during the application process. I felt like all that I’d pushed myself through wasn’t enough. I felt like I could’ve done more to put myself in a better position before applying.
However, a few months later, I was admitted into UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media – the nation's top media and journalism school. This is where I found my true home. Hussman is home to the best professors and classes that I have ever had. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I truly enjoy the classes that I take each semester and feel genuine support from each professor and faculty member.
As Dooms Day 2024 just passed, I reflected on my perspective a year after receiving the B-School rejection letter.
The greatest piece of advice that I gave to one of my younger teammates prior to decisions being released was, “Everything happens for a reason.” I told her that whether she gets accepted or not, that is the decision that will be best for her in the end, even if it’s hard to see in the moment. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. What is meant to be will be, and it’s important to find comfort in knowing this.
I truly believe that everyone ends up where they are supposed to be. It hurt to receive the rejection letter, but it led me to a professional school and major that I fell in love with. In hindsight, I wouldn’t be happy studying business. That isn’t where my passion lies. So had I been admitted into Kenan-Flagler, I wouldn’t have found Hussman and all its glory. I wouldn’t have had the chance to have so many incredible experiences with so many incredible people.
So, as much as it sounds like I am trying to spare my pride, I’m glad I got rejected from the B-School. It helped build my character and pushed me toward my passion. I wouldn't be where I am today without that rejection letter.
To all of those who were recently rejected from Kenan-Flagler, a job, or something you really wanted– stay the course. Better and more fitting opportunities are ahead that will take you further than you could ever imagine.
With love,
🌟 Taylor
