Student Outlook -- Gracie R. Kazer

As the last remaining signs of the holiday season disappear, students

in schools all over the country begin their second semester. While the

thought of having only 4 1/2 months of school until the summer is

exciting for anyone, it is a particularly thrilling time for high school

seniors. After more than 12 grueling years of formal education and

following a repetitive routine, the soon-to-be graduates will finally

have the opportunity to start building their lives the way they choose.

While the future lies as a huge blank for most seniors, the chance to

step out into the world and gain a sense of independence is generally a

great source of encouragement. With applications finished, the senior

class of 2002 can expect to have an awesome second semester, full of

privileges and memorable events that will eventually lead up to

graduation.

However, these months that should be spent enjoying the little things

are often interrupted by anxiety and doubt regarding the future,

especially college. With the current standards set so high, it is a fear

that nearly every high school student is met with -- the fear of utter,

complete rejection.

Logically thinking, individuals would realize the amazingly rare

chance they had of being rejected by every college they applied to.

However, the fear remains constant for at least a small period of time in

most students, who temporarily lose their sensibility due to various

forms of stress and apprehension. The idea that there is “always someone

better” drives students to unbelievably great lengths to see that their

application stands out against thousands and thousands of “competitors.”

With the increasingly massive number of applicants each year, it is sad,

yet inevitable, that many qualified students will be rejected from the

college of their choice and possibly others.

The emotional downfall that follows a college rejection is a

combination of broken ideals and resentment toward the work put into the

application process. It is difficult to stay rational when something you

want fails, and it is even more so when what failed was an idea relating

so intensely to your future.

Yet, all hope is not lost. As a high school senior who has recently

endured a rejection by my original college of choice, I claim the right

to say that things often have a funny way of working out. Rejection is

terrible -- but it is also strangely satisfying to overcome. While it is

difficult to part with fictional stories of success, one must learn to do

so, as the real world does not generally accommodate fantasies.

Although being rejected from college is disappointing, it is a major

lesson given to those who are willing to learn it. Whether it be

attending a college, beginning a career or doing something else, people

all have the ability to succeed, and just need to learn what they can

from both acceptance and rejection. Years and years from now, the senior

class of 2002 will likely have experienced a lifetime of failures and

letdowns; they will also have succeeded in dealing with them and moving

on to deal with whatever else is thrown in their direction.

* GRACIE R. KAZER is a Corona del Mar High School senior whose columns

will appear occasionally in the Community Forum section.