After getting accepted to graduate school a few weeks ago, yesterday a ‘we regret to inform you’ letter showed up. I was immediately suspicious due to the thinness of the envelope. The letter said that the scholarship was very competitive. It was such a disappointment and a blow to my ego. My grades were good; I work at a library; my age either helped or hurt; I’ve traveled overseas. Was it my essay? Was it truly that competitive? Is there a waiting list in case someone ends up not enrolling? I may never know…but I do know that I still love my job; I am happy with my life; and I can now enjoy a stress-free, no pressure, relaxing summer while I plan my next move. It will be embarrassing to show up at work and let everyone whose been rooting for me the news of my failure. Ugh – being confident can really backfire.
