Turning rejections into stepping stones

 Dear Reader

Young people sometimes take college rejection as a judgment on themselves— not just on their academic abilities but on who they are as a person.

While getting depressed from not getting a slot in the public university system is usually temporary, sometimes it may have lasting effects for the somewhat high esteem that people hold for them.

For the youth who struggle with self-esteem or negative thinking, such rejections can feel like one more thing that is not working in their life.

And for those with existing anxiety or depression, a college rejection can make the symptoms worse.

No doubt, failing to get into one’s dream college can undermine a student’s confidence and self-worth, easily leading to what is sometimes referred to as college rejection depression just like what our cover girl Tamika on page 7 and 8 went through.

But as you will learn when you read her story, there is always a chance to try another door or a window if one door fails to open. There is no point standing on the closed door, hoping that somehow it will be opened, when all the while the world around you is still moving.

Even more wonderful is that she went on to achieve much more than most public university graduates have—and all it took was determination and hard work.

So, from her we learn the importance of knowing your dreams, having goals and working hard to achieve them, just as she has. Read her story from page 7 and be inspired.

On relationships, we have some insights with our Candid Talk columnist on page 8 that we can all learn from the need for some space.

There is always a good reason why one party to a relationship wants a break, and forcing them against it usually won’t take you anywhere.

Yes, when it comes down to this, there is often a good chance that one party to the relationship is still on a high and hoping that somehow it will take a turn for the better.

However, hard as it may be, it is best to allow the other party the space they need in such cases, and if after some time you both feel you can continue building the relationship then you take it from there.

Tough is when the suggesting partner knows that their heart has already moved but they have no easier way to tell you boldly that they want a break up.

So they suggest a break knowing that it will be milder on your heart than coming outright with a break up, and they hope you will heal through the break. So yes, it is best to accept it and even borrow a leaf from pessimists who are always prepared for the worst, and for them if things turn out well instead, it comes as a bonus.

But as suggested in the column, it’s also important to keep in mind that taking a break doesn’t have to equal a breakup as it can equally give both partners time to reflect on the relationship.

All in all, we have many other things to look at on the supplement, some inspo for manicures and pedicures on page 4; and something for you to consider for your children on page six in regards to shaping the children we are raising.

The holidays are here, and this time for much longer, teen talks and mentorships can serve as worthwhile pass time on during the holidays. There will likely be more of such events, which you may wish to consider for your children.

I trust you will enjoy the reada