"When one door closes, another opens."
This quote has proven to be true countless times for me.
In high school, I had my mind made up as to what I wanted to do. Give me a stage and microphone and I feel more at home there than sometimes even in my actual home. I love the lights, I love the costumes, I love the attention quite frankly. It was only natural that I continued my career of center stage and there was one school that was noted for being top notch in the industry; OCU. I was naive back then because I thought that college was affordable and I could just take out a loan or two to get my degree. Long story short, I was shut down hard by my grandma. I receive OHLAP which pays your tuition for any public University in Oklahoma. I guess I should now say thanks to my mom for being a fuck up, your lack of responsibility and a steady paying job got me something in life. It would be silly for me to pay so much money to attend OCU when I could attend another University for almost free. As I sat at the kitchen table back in 2010, I opened my acceptance letter to the University of Central Oklahoma. I was happy that I was accepted somewhere, but it wasn't really what I wanted. Two weeks later, I received my letter from the University of Oklahoma. I opened it, and much to my surprise I was not accepted. I guess I should have focused more on my studying for the ACT than on my studying of pop culture. I can now give over 100 facts about Ke$ha, and can probably only solve 100 math problems.
I came from a small town, so the thought of going to a group that loves and accepts me for being me sounded unreal. I joined the Gay Alliance for Tolerance and Equality with high hopes. At the opening meeting, the President opened with a speech that I found absolutely frightening. "If you're here to hook up, then don't come back." Was I about to get poached by one of the many faces in the room? No way!!! I didn't go back for the remainder of that semester, and part of the next. I had a friend who was interested in attending, so against my wishes we went. It was one of the most open and accepting places I had been to. People weren't having sex all over the place, I wasn't getting shade thrown at me left and right. I had more people welcome me at that meeting than almost anywhere else I've gone. I felt so comfortable and welcomed there, and I knew it was something I needed to be in. About a year ago, it was announced that there would be an opening for a
leadership position on campus. I had been a very active member for the
organization since mid second semester. I helped see the organization through its name change, new logo, recruiting new members, and planning some events. I was a shoe in for the Presidency. One evening I was attending another organization's program when the Director approached me and asked if I had any interest in joining the executive committee for them. I politely declined and said that if I didn't get the Presidency I would try. Two weeks later, I didn't get the position. I was pretty beat up about it, but I stood true to my word and applied for an executive position for the other organization. A few days after my interview I was called and was accepted.
The Director wrote something peculiar in a card recently; "I've never been so happy a student hasn't gotten a position." That has stuck with me since then. I can honestly say I've never been so happy I've been rejected from multiple things. Without those rejections, I would never be where I am today. I am so very happy to announce that I am officially the School Swap Coordinator for the NACA Central Region (which covers area in 8 states.) NACA is the National Association for Campus Activities, and not only is it an amazing experience, it's one step closer to my future in Student Affairs. I was up against both undergraduate and graduate students, and beat them out for the position.
Next time you get rejected, turned down, or declined, it's only natural to be disappointed in yourself. However, keep it in the back of your mind that there is something bigger and better out there for you. Keep reading your story, and never forget to turn the page. If you feel like you've come to the end of the book, then pick up the next one in line. Life is so full of opportunity and adventure, it's just up to you and I to step foot through those doors. I hope that someday you will be able to look back and can say with a smile that you've never been so happy you didn't receive an opportunity.
I know that I can.
