Rejection

My number one pick, NYU, just rejected me for grad school.

Actually, I'm okay. In hindsight I realize much of the draw of the school was the city, and I've heard negative things about the actual environment of the program. My professors are all pushing me toward UNC. UCLondon just e-mailed me with the news that I've made the short-list and that they want to interview me next week (over the phone, no jetting off to London for me, alas) so these are all excellent things.

And if NYU doesn't want me, then that's their loss. As narcissistic as this might sound, I know I have the potential to rock whatever I choose to do, as long as I buckle down and put my mind to it. This culture is a "me" culture, one of "we are all special," and I have unshakable faith that, in my case, that is true.

I have to. I have no other option. I have to be the best at this, at what I choose to do. I can't screw around anymore.

So am I upset that NYU rejected me? Of course I am. There is a lot for me in New York City, in terms of career opportunities, museums, places, people, things to do. But I know I'll do well at UNC, should I choose to go there. I love Chapel Hill, which is certainly a young, liberal, metropolitan environment. The program is magnificent, and there are professors who see the potential I have and are willing to embrace me--and, more importantly, I would kill to work with them. And if I get into either of the London schools, or even UMichigan, then I'll have several more options from which to choose.

So my confidence, though shaken, is still intact. And I am intact. Everything happens for a reason, and I have faith in the platitude that everything does work out in the end.