The After…
Dear College Girl,
I know you are out there applying for job, after job, after job. I remember what it was like being a Senior and experiencing the vivid reality of the unknown. Rejection felt like a domino effect—one after the other or simply being ghosted. It did not matter how polished I showed up, how well qualified I was for the position, my connections were not falling through, and the execution of my resume was not reflecting in my results. This was a true moment of my faith being tested. Everything I had planned for myself was delaying. While I was exhausted with applying and hearing no—or nothing at all—it made me more hungry for more and for better. I started thinking, “What is next?” “How can I take my own advice in this moment of desperation, misunderstanding, and confusion?” My vision and my dream for myself grew stronger. My expectations and standards grew clearer and stronger. I developed into a deeper individual with resilience, mental strength, and emotional maturity. As I woke up everyday and decided to show up for myself no matter the answer I heard, I chose to believe that God would place me where I could handle and where I NEEDED to be. Eventually, I secured a position where I was wanted and valued.
So to the college girl who feels as though she is seeing nothing:
To the first-generation college girl who wants to take care of her family:
To the college girl who knows she is on her own post-grad:
To the college girl who is growing weary of how she will pay back her loans:
To the college girl who is sick of being silenced by corporate America:
To the college girl who just wants to hear a yes:
Say yes to yourself first.
Do not apply out of desperation, do not say yes out of desperation, do not speak the language of desperation, rather. think in confidence that all is working for your good. Trust, I have been there before. What I know now was not known unless I had gone through the wild. I had to be lost and I had to know what it felt like to really commit to myself, my excellence, and my vision.
Right when you want to give up,
right when you release control,
right when you continue to do the things that make you happy,
right when you truly embody patience is when the ever-changing aspects of your life come into place. All of a sudden, you not only have a job, but you have a job that values your knowledge, curiosities, and expertise. All of a sudden you have a circle that is willing to guide you like the big brother or big sister you never had. All of a sudden, your life, your responsibilities, and your work will not feel like they are a burden.
The after is none of your business. Your effort is your business. Convincing yourself to the extent of self-belief is the only business you should be paying for.
All will work in your favor.
Sincerely,
Pitra