A Humbling Experience

Rejection is indeed a humbling experience.

I have always been an average student. I didn't excel much in academics, but I had decent grades. Decent enough to be considered average. I graduated close to Latin honors, but not quite. I am a perfect example of someone who could have been somebody else, but decided to remain stuck in the same phase of mediocrity. I failed myself in the academe, that I realized. But! I am going to redeem myself, though not within the university grounds, in the real world. I aimed to shoot for the moon, so to speak.

In the past weeks, I applied to different companies including ABS-CBN Network, GMA Network, Unilever, Unilab, Procter & Gamble, IBM, and TNS. I applied to the position which I think I am qualified. I was anxious, I knew that these companies would prefer someone with experience in the field I was applying for. But that did not stop me from hoping that they'd contact me. Though some companies called me and offered me jobs, I told myself that I would not settle for anything less than my UP education. Yes, I admit, I was that proud. I was too proud for my own good. I should have known better.

I received an email from ABS-CBN Network. I can still remember how giddy I felt as I was waiting for the email to load on my page. I read each word with anticipation. I was anxious. Then, the rejection line came. It was quip and professional. Nothing that would make a proud Angel go back to square. But that moment defined a humbling experience for me. I may be a graduate of the best university in the Philippines, but it does not mean that I will be hired by the company that I wanted to work for.

I can be choosy, I can be ambitious all I want, but I cannot be too proud just because I have a degree from the University of the Philippines.