In my last post, I talked about hope—how it can appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. I used an example about nailing a job interview only to learn days later that the company chose someone else. That wasn’t just a random scenario I dreamed up; it was something I experienced firsthand not long before I wrote that post. Before diving deeper into that story, though, I want to provide some context to paint a clearer picture of what I was going through. First, "I need to take you back to long before I squeezed this ass into red spandex.” If you got that reference, you’re my kind of person. If not, go watch Deadpool.
It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since I started college. For me, college wasn’t hard because of academics—I actually found my classes pretty easy. What made it difficult was navigating college while dealing with the medical complications I’ve written about in previous posts.
The first two years were especially rough. I commuted two hours, 3–4 times a week, despite dealing with excruciating back pain caused by severe scoliosis. Sitting through long car rides and then enduring uncomfortable lecture hall chairs felt like torture. I missed classes frequently for medical reasons, and while my GPA remained a perfect 4.0, it was only because my professors allowed me to submit doctor’s notes to excuse my absences.
I didn’t even try to build a social life—I was in too much pain and just wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible. People often say college is “the best time of your life.” For me, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. But as tough as those first two years were, they set the stage for one of the best decisions I ever made: transferring to an online program.
Switching to online classes was a game-changer. I could learn on my own schedule, take breaks when I needed to, and study from the comfort of my home in a chair that didn’t add to my pain. Because I’ve always been a quick learner, I could skip lengthy lectures and teach myself the material while maintaining my 4.0 GPA. Things were finally looking up—until they weren’t.
While in online college, I underwent major spinal surgery (if you want to know more about this surgery read my previous posts). This was during a semester where I had accidentally enrolled in an accelerated course, meaning I had half the usual time to complete it. To make matters worse, I was traveling to doctors’ appointments multiple times a week, each an hour or more away. These appointments weren’t quick, either—they often lasted hours because, as my doctors put it, I was an enigma.
Balancing surgery prep, intense medical evaluations, and a demanding course load was overwhelming. I spent more time traveling and in waiting rooms than I did studying. Yet, somehow, I made it through. My determination to succeed kept me going, and I still maintained my perfect GPA. I thought this effort would set me up for a great career, but I had no idea how grueling the job search would be.
After graduating, I entered the job market full of optimism—and was met with a harsh reality. The job search was an absolute nightmare. Despite having a stellar academic record, I quickly learned that even “entry-level” positions required 5–10 years of experience. How was I supposed to gain experience when every job required me to already have it?
I applied for countless positions, leveraging connections—including recommendations from senior vice presidents my dad knew—and still heard nothing back. Each rejection chipped away at my confidence. It was demoralizing. But as you know, my motto is Rise Up Again.
Months later, I finally got a job interview. I poured my heart into it, hopeful that this was my break. But a few days later, I found out they went with someone else. It was crushing. I decided to step back and focus on my personal projects, giving myself some space to regroup. Sometimes, taking a break is necessary.
A few months later, my best friend’s mom—who I consider family—told me her company was hiring. I didn’t let myself get too excited; I’d been let down too many times. It took several months for the hiring process to move forward, and the waiting was agonizing. But eventually, I had my interview, and this time, I felt a spark of hope. The position seemed perfect for me.
After a week and a half of torturous waiting, I got the call: I GOT THE JOB.
Looking back now, I see that every struggle, every rejection, and every moment of doubt led me to this opportunity. Today, I work with an incredible team in an amazing company. My colleagues are supportive, welcoming, and always eager to help. I learn something new every day, and I’m genuinely happy in my role.
That year of agony? It was worth it.
Life can be brutal, and sometimes you feel completely lost or defeated. But no matter how hopeless things seem, if you keep moving forward—taking small steps toward your goal—you will prevail. Persistence pays off, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.
To anyone reading this who’s struggling with their own challenges: keep going. Your breakthrough is coming.
As always, Rise Up Again
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