Today, I received a rejection letter.

I had been preparing to apply to this particular program since freshman year. The application took me over 3 months to complete. I put my absolute best foot forward and worked tirelessly to produce the highest caliber of work. In other words, I gave nothing less than excellence. 

My first thought after reading the letter was, “It’s a good thing I don’t believe in coincidences.” Because if I did, I would be incredibly disheartened. 

They say a bond between a father and his daughter is unbreakable, and I completely agree. My life is a testimony of this. I cannot think of a single person who contributed so richly to who I am personally and professionally other than my father, Vyacheslav Perjar.

“What if these obstacles are just part of the equation?” My father would always ask me this each time I presented a new difficulty, failure, or problem to him. 

My father has always had incredible problem-solving skills. To this day, I cannot think of a problem that I believe he could not solve. He taught me that there is always a solution to every problem and that no problem is without victories. 

My father taught me to look at failures and difficulties as opportunities. He encouraged me to judge every situation through a neutral lens and showed me how to find the truth in any circumstance. Giving up and opting out no longer became options for me. With my father’s guidance, I emerged with victory from every difficulty. Every hardship was a lesson learned and wisdom gained. 

So, my dad’s first reaction to news of my rejection to the program was joy. 

He reminded me that life does not often supply clear-cut answers. The fact that I received such a clear “no” was good news. For me, it means that God is protecting me from something or maybe preparing to open new doors for me. As a born-again Christian, I believe the Word of God which says, “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron” (Isaiah 45:2). 

Suddenly, that “no” became a building block I could step on to reach new heights. 

Reflecting back on my life, I can clearly identify how every rejection has led to a bigger project, better job, or surprising opportunity. Although disappointments are inevitable, obstacles reveal what we’re made of. I know my diligence will sustain success, so I look to the future with hope and confidence.

Today, I’m thankful for parents who encourage me. I’m thankful for silver-linings and small beams of hope. I’m even thankful for closed doors that allow me to see otherwise hidden opportunities.    

What if the obstacles you face are simply part of the equation that makes up your life? A way to clear your path or a vehicle to take you to your final destination… 

The best is yet to come.