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Rejection Doesn’t Get Easier. You Just Become Numb to It
It’s your job to accept it.
This morning, I received a rejection letter I didn’t want to see but felt was coming. I applied to be an inaugural professor in the new emerging media program at the University of Nebraska. It was a position I wanted badly as I love teaching media and assisting students with their creative goals. I plan on making higher ed teaching part of my ultimate career goals.
I am a working creative professional with a masters degree and I already teach a college-level photography and video class literally next door to the university. I talked to other Nebraska-area professionals in the field who felt it was a job tailored for me. I had solid references.
When I opened the email, I thought I would be sadder. I really wanted this position. It would mean a lot for any undergrads of color to see a black creative instructor for once. It was the primary reason I felt called to teach higher education in the first place. Instead, I read the email, shrugged, and continued my day.
I could wonder why I wasn’t picked, but there is no reason to torture myself about it. It could have been anything. I have faith that the program will be a success without me.