Rejection from Erasmus. Lessons Learned and Silver Linings.

This is not intended to be a motivational post, this is me sharing my reflection and experience with the hope it makes a difference.

EXCHANGE.?LEARNING.?EXPOSURE.

All words that come to mind when you hear the name. ERASMUS

A while back I got the opportunity to apply for an exchange opportunity with Erasmus, one of the biggest youth development organizations globally. I got rejected but there’s a silver Linings and more importantly ALOT of lessons learned!

The opportunity I applied for had to do with a diversity related program in Tunisia, an extremely competitive program but I?figured it was worth the shot!

The application process was pretty straight forward:

Step 1) An Extremely?comprehensive application where you share multiple pieces of information. Why do you want to apply??Why do you see yourself as the best candidate for the opportunity??A?video submission, and more.

Step 2) An online interview:

I did a killer application, I?knew that while submitting it and a few days later that was validated by the acceptance email from the organization informing me that I passed to the final stage. The online?interview.

Right off the bat, when I started the interview I knew it was HORRIBLE. I would not shy away from saying that this was probably THE WORST INTERVEWI I DID SINCE GRADUATING.

I had a little bit of hope that I might pass but deep down I know that if it was me on the other side doing the interview I would not make this a pass. This was also validated a few days later when I received my rejection email :)

Now, a bit of background as to how I approached this opportunity which brings us to.... Lessons learned.

Going into applying for this opportunity I promised myself with this. Whatever the result is I will reflect on it, right then and there If I’m in or not I want to check-in and reflect on what just happened and what did I learn the moment I get the call, or email regarding my application status.

I received the rejection email at 11:26 PM. The feeling of disappointment was overwhelming but a promise is a promise, I had to reflect!

I did that... Though difficult to start with, I found myself more expressive as I went along.

By the end I was not disappointed nor sad, AT ALL!

I knew I did not do a good interview, I?checked in with myself as to why that happened and what I need to keep into account moving forward.

Lesson #1: Reflect:

I cannot state how much this practice was and still is a game changer for me and I cannot recommend it enough. Find your method of doing it. There are a lot of videos out there about journaling (A form of reflection), research, and go with the approach that best fits you.

Lesson #2: Be real, be objective, and be logical with yourself:

I knew I did a bad interview after everything was over, be constructive with the words you give yourself, take what you can out of whatever experience you’re in and see how you can build on it. Difficult, extremely difficult but again, this is what makes a difference.

The Silver Lining:

Erasmus came knocking again. 1 month later, there was another opportunity, this time in Morocco!

I went into the process with the trust in my abilities and the lessons learned from take #1 and...

I. GOT. IN!

The universe playing game with me and now, because I had a work related event at the same time I was not able to travel. :)

I guess this is what I want to share by this story. There’s always a reason for things to happen in a certain way, in a certain time. Being rejected in take #1 was a learning for me and an opportunity for development that I will forever appreciate. Not being able to travel in take #2 definitely has a reason that with time I hope I understand.

Reflect, stay objective, and try again. It’s always a matter of time.