“Rejection is redirection” is an all-too-old saying that goes through one ear and out the other. For many of us, those three words mean nothing. But what if we were to redirect intimidation and sorrows towards rejection elsewhere? What if we stopped fearing rejection and instead made space for it as something valuable, even necessary?

We grow the most often when things don’t come together as we expect, not when everything is perfect. Embracing forms of rejection forces us to rethink and change course. It challenges us to feel discomfort while questioning our next moves, which pushes us forward. Without those very moments, there is no room for growth.

Hockey star Wayne Gretzky said it best: “ You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,”  meaning the risk of failure is smaller than not having any accompaniments at all.

We treat failure like it’s the end but really it’s just the beginning. We have mishaps, but life goes on. Rejection means we tried, and we were brave enough to care. What matters is what we do after. Do we give up or do we get back up and redirect our energy to becoming better?

As for seniors this time could be filled with much anxiety and unfortunate redirection. Handling rejection from your dream school could feel like your whole world is crashing down. You’re probably hearing more of the word “No” then ever before, and realizing some of your future plans aren’t going as you expected. You may feel like the the choice of picking a college is life or death, but remember that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. And sometimes what we had planned wasn’t really meant for us. Everything is a moment in time. Each setback, each “no”, is a part of your story,a story that’s still being written not out of perfection. 

Plus, let’s face it, rejection and the possibility of failure is a part of life. 

Rejection is something everyone will face again and again. It’s not a one time thing and it won’t stop after high school. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or an opportunity, rejection will always sneak its way into your life.

The key isn’t avoiding it, it’s learning how to face it without letting it hold you back. The more we experience it, the more we realize it’s not the end of the world. It shows us what really pushes us, where we can grow and how  much we really can withstand. The things that shape us most often come from the moments that display our emotional elasticity. 

Instead of hiding and fearing rejection, rather expect it and prepare for it. Don’t let it keep you from taking chances. Face it head on. 

So,always remember take the risk. Speak up. Apply everywhere. Embrace all forms of rejection. Because even when rejection shows up back to back, you’ll come out of it changed, stronger, and more sure of who you are and who you want to be.