I had been waiting for months to apply to the internship opportunity of a lifetime, the White House Internship. Once the application opened up, I proceeded to fill it out to the best of my ability, highlighting all my involvement and achievements throughout college, hoping I would stand out to the reviewing committee. I had been involved in previous organizations on campus and thought I had a chance against other undergraduate applicants. I spent countless hours on the essays that were required in the application and perfected them to the best that they could be. I waited for months to hear back about the status of my application. On the week that the decisions were supposed to be sent out, I got such bad anxiety that I had to skip class for the fear of rejection. Not only did I miss class, but I missed so many assignments that caused me to have even more anxiety.

After 3 days of living in a constant state of fear, I had received the decision email. I opened it up right before my last class of the day and was in a state of shock. After so much waiting time, how could this be the outcome? I had to hold myself together during class, but I was devastated. When I got home from class that day, I realized that everything happens for a reason. After giving it much thought, there were so many negatives to this internship. I had to leave my family and friends for the entire summer, I would miss out on so many events happening at home, and I would not be making any money to live in DC anyway.

I decided that it was for the better than I would not be spending the summer in Washington DC. This summer, I will be spending the summer working as a camp counselor for the second year in a row with my friends and my sister. Although that internship might have helped me in the job world in the future, I get to enjoy the summer surrounded by the people I love. About a week after receiving that email, I received another email to interview for a member of the United States House of Representatives. Not only would this be an awesome opportunity, but it gave me confidence knowing I had to qualifications for the job.

After facing rejection, I learned so much about myself. I learned that I am strong, confident, intelligent, and the right opportunity will come along one day. Until then, I will enjoy my summer with my family and friends and continue improving my leadership skills in my camp counselor position. This job has not only improved my resume but given me so many friends, good times, and taught me a lot about myself as well. If you are faced with rejection in your future endeavors, know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and there is always another opportunity waiting for you around the corner.