One of the biggest challenges I have faced, was when I was offered Blinn Team, instead of full acceptance into Texas A&M. I attended a small private high school where I graduated with 40 people in my class, making the top ten percent only four people. I was unfortunately ranked number five in my class, so I fell just short of automatic acceptance into A&M. People who graduated a few years before me and were not automatic admits still ended up receiving full acceptance into A&M, so I was surprised when I was offered Blinn Team after all the AP and dual credit classes I took and the amount of effort I put into my high school education.

 

Going into new student conference, I did not feel like a true A&M student even though everyone kept saying I should be proud and Blinn Team is still officially a student of A&M. I felt like I had fallen short of my dreams and I felt embarrassed to tell people that I was Blinn Team, like it was something to be ashamed of since I was seen as a high achiever and a good student and would be easily accepted into A&M. It was an extremely difficult thing for me to come to terms with and accept. I made it my mission to finish Blinn Team as quickly as possible, so I could attend A&M as a full-time student. I completed my Blinn Team requirements a semester early and looking back, I can see Blinn Team as a blessing in disguise. Completing my pre-requisite courses at Blinn allowed my parents to save money for tuition and allowed me to finish all the classes I needed without having to deal with A&M registration and not being able to sign up for the classes I needed. I was also able to strengthen one of my friendships because I was offered Blinn Team.

 

Since I did not find out my admission status until after most of the dorms were full, it forced me out of my comfort zone and I ended up living with one of my high school friends that I was not planning on ever living with. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I made because I still live with her three years later and we are closer friends now than we were in high school.

 

Even though I would not have chosen to receive Blinn Team instead of full acceptance into A&M, this experience has helped me grow in my confidence in my abilities and in my friendships. It allowed me to prove to myself that I can succeed at Texas A&M despite originally being rejected. This determined mindset has helped me push past rejection and strive for success in my life. I think it is important to learn and grow from challenges you face rather than giving up when times get tough.