I've come to see rejection as a natural part of my journey, not as a roadblock but as a redirection. Over time, I’ve realized that the sting of rejection has less power over me because my self-worth isn’t tied to external validation. Instead, I rely on what I believe in myself, trusting that the right opportunity will come.

Each rejection teaches me something valuable—what worked, what didn’t—and that knowledge helps me move forward with confidence. This mindset seems to be born out of experience and perspective.

If I were giving my 20 y/o self advice, it would be this: get rejected early and often. It takes the sting out of it and helps you become more comfortable with the process. In the end, rejection just becomes another step toward the next opportunity.