Rejection as a Lesson: How I’m Growing Into the Person I’m Meant to Be

Introduction

Hi friends, I've been reflecting on my feelings as I lay in bed unable to sleep, winding down my last few work shifts before the weekend. Living in the Disney bubble can sometimes feel like being back on a campus where I never truly felt at home. I knew this when I was going into the program, but I’m a different person than I was during my first time here. In the year between, I moved into my apartment in the city, adopted a dog, picked up a part-time job downtown, transferred schools, and slowly rebuilt my community from scratch. If it weren’t for my first Disney program and the friendships that came with it, I wouldn’t have had such a strong support system when I returned to Toronto. That’s why this second round has been more difficult; I know a version of home is waiting for me. I think back to December 2024, three months into the program, debating whether to return to the city for the winter semester or see this through. I’m glad I stayed. I’ve made real industry connections, gained work experience I could never get in a classroom, and given myself the year-long breather I needed before returning to school full-time. I’m juggling online school, working full-time, and preparing to move back to the city, but I’m doing it purposefully. The space away from Toronto reminded me how much I love it and, more importantly, how much I’ve grown. In a season of rejection, ghosting, and uncertainty, I’ve learned that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone; I just need to keep showing up for the life I’m building.

Accepting Rejection

One thing I’ve learned in my (so far) short time navigating my twenties is that rejection shows up way more often than anyone warns you; and in every corner of life. Whether it’s dating, friendships, or the workplace, not everyone is meant to stay in your story, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s even a blessing in disguise. In early 2024, I went through a situation that shook me. It even gave my dog Moose a little viral moment when he stopped at my ex’s old building, forgetting he had moved across the world and that we’d probably never see him again. That moment marked my first authentic taste of rejection, because for once, I had genuinely let someone in. Since then, my dating life has felt light and fun until emotions get involved; then things seem to unravel. But I’ve stopped blaming myself. Somewhere out there, someone will show up ready to accept me and Moose, with extra kisses. Still, nothing hits quite like being ghosted after letting someone new in. But I’m learning to see rejection not as a reflection of my worth but as a sign that those people were never meant to stay. That shift in perspective has helped me at work, too. After eight months of full-time experience, I’ve seen how gossip and miscommunication can drain a team. I’ve realized I don’t need to prove myself to everyone, just to the people and goals that truly matter. So while some spend time whispering, I spend mine writing and reflecting, like I am now. Because I’ve decided I’m not here to prove anyone wrong. I’m here to prove myself right. This resilience in the face of rejection is what keeps me going, and I hope it inspires you too.

The Power of Self-Reliance

If there’s one thing this past year has taught me, it’s the power of self-reliance. After all the learning curves and growing pains, I’ve realized: I’m not lonely, I’m becoming my safe place. I look forward to coming home to my little apartment, spending time with my son (aka Moose), and winding down by writing and reflecting. These quiet moments make me cherish my girls' nights even more and have helped me strike a healthy balance between independence and connection. One of my favorite full-circle moments recently? A guy’s group of friends recognized my voice while I was working; they remembered it from a phone call months ago when I ended things with their friend because he was wasting my time. They even said I handled it well. That moment was a little reminder that using your voice, kindly and unapologetically, can leave an impact. Working full-time has also pushed me to budget better and prioritize where my money goes. I’ve traded impulsive online shopping and endless nights out for travel experiences and savings toward my future. Having my income has made me realize how empowering it is to rely on myself, no matter what. And one day, I hope to support someone else’s dreams the way my grandma has always supported mine. She always tells me I’m her best investment, and I think Moose might be giving her a run for her money because of how spoiled he is. But this independence I’m building? It’s not just practical; it’s an act of self-love. I hope this journey of self-reliance empowers you as much as it has empowered me.

Juggling Everything While Staying True to the Vision

Juggling everything at once has never felt easy, but lately, I’ve learned that it’s not about finding perfect “balance” but finding alignment. The campus life was never for me, so I’ve loved living downtown, where I can focus on the things that fuel me: my part-time job, my blog, and the simple joys of daily city life. This summer, I chose to take two online courses that count toward my degree, which means once I’m back, I’ll only have two years of school left. (Funny enough, a psychic told my mom I’d be in school for a long time when I was born, and she might’ve been right.) Even though I’ve enjoyed my gap year working full-time, I’m starting to crave the kind of growth that only school can give me. I’m a learner at heart, and after eight months of doing the same tasks every day, I’m ready for a shift. I even booked a trip back to Canada this summer to go apartment hunting downtown; another step toward living the dream life I’ve always envisioned. I’m also starting to search for an internship for my third year, and while that feels daunting, it’s exciting too. When people at work critique me or say I’m not great at my job, I honestly let it roll off me. I know this phase is just the beginning, and I’m proud of the small, steady wins quietly stacking up behind the scenes.

Loving Yourself Out Loud

One of my favorite compliments is when people admire my confidence, especially those who’ve seen me at my lowest. That praise means more than they realize; it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come. Many of the people I work with now don’t fully understand the trauma I’ve overcome, but the truth is, I don’t owe anyone my story. I don’t need to justify my past to anyone but myself. Loving yourself isn’t just about private affirmations; it’s about expressing that worth openly. It’s about being unapologetically you, even when others don’t fully understand. True strength lies in saying, “I am enough, just as I am.” For a long time, I feared rejection and felt I had to hide my flaws to fit in. But I’ve learned there’s freedom in vulnerability. When you show up as you are, flaws and all, you give others permission to do the same. Loving yourself out loud means accepting you won’t always be your “best self.” Some days you’ll feel strong; other days, vulnerable. That’s okay. It’s not about being perfect but being authentic: showing up for yourself with honesty, without needing validation from others. True self-love is also about setting boundaries and not over-explaining who you are. I’ve stopped shrinking myself to make others comfortable. It’s hard at first, but once you start standing firm in your truth, it gets easier. When others project their insecurities, I no longer internalize them. I focus on what brings me peace: spending time with Moose, writing, and being with those who understand me. Loving yourself also means celebrating small wins: getting through a tough day, sticking to your goals, and practicing self-care. These moments build self-respect. In the end, self-love isn’t about perfection; it’s about being worthy of love and joy, just as you are. And when you live that truth, you empower others to do the same. So, I’m learning to love myself out loud: unapologetically and confidently. If that makes others uncomfortable? That’s their journey, not mine.

Conclusion

This journey of embracing rejection, building self-reliance, and staying true to my vision has taught me one profound truth: I am enough just as I am. Life is not about constantly proving myself to others or fitting into expectations; it's about showing up for myself, for the goals I believe in, and for the person I’m becoming. Rejection, in all its forms, has become a tool for growth rather than a reflection of my worth. Through the quiet moments of self-reflection and the small victories that accumulate in the background, I've found alignment and purpose. I no longer need external validation to feel worthy; my journey is about owning my story and continuing to evolve on my own terms. As I continue forward, I’m learning to love myself out loud, unapologetically and confidently, while creating space for the life I want to build: one where my only competition is the version of myself I was yesterday.