A no right now, isn’t a no forever

It's that time once again in student affairs — interview season. Whether it be for graduate assistantships or for admission into a program, this time can be extremely stressful. As I write this, I'm sitting at my desk at a school that I was not planning to attend with a position I absolutely adore.

This time last year, I was set on one stipulation regarding graduate school: I wanted to get out of Pennsylvania. My other two choices were located out of state, and I applied to Bloomsburg University solely to soften the blow about wanting to move so far from home. I visited Bloomsburg before and thought it was a cute little place. However, as someone who has grown up in Pennsylvania, I wanted a break from bitter winters and all the snow.

When I was offered an interview at my top choice, I was elated. I was walking back to my apartment when I got the email and I audibly squealed, scaring the poor young man walking past me at the time. I felt like everything was falling into place. The time came for my on-campus interviews and while I was excited to be there, in the back of my mind I knew that this was not the place for me. To this day, I am still very thankful I didn't get an initial offer, because I would've gone simply because I was offered a position.

At the time of my on-campus interview for a graduate hall director position at Bloomsburg, I already been accepted into the College Student Affairs (M.Ed.) program. I didn't think there was anything wrong with Bloomsburg, I just didn’t want to live in Pennsylvania. I was completely blown away by Bloomsburg residence life and the campus, and even during my interview, I ran into the chair of the CSA program. I left campus completely in love and confused. I hadn't heard back from the other school I applied to, but I felt like Bloomsburg was such an amazing fit.

I was offered the GHD position roughly a week later, and I hesitated. I asked for more time to decide since I was waiting to hear from one other school. I called my parents. I talked to my friends. I prayed. I then called back roughly 20 minutes later and accepted the position and confirmed I would be attending the program.

I say all of this to say, that no matter how daunting and overwhelming interview season is, what's meant for you will not miss you. Sometimes a no is a blessing in disguise, because greater is coming. You can prepare for interviews as much as you want, but if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn’t. Regardless of where you are in the interview process, remember to breathe. That a no right now, isn’t a no forever.

Every journey into higher education is different, so take time to breathe and don’t sweat the little stuff. Life has a funny way of working itself out.

— Danielle Jones, #ProfessionalU #SAPro

Jones is pursuing her Master's in Educational Leadership through Bloomsburg University's College Student Affairs (M.Ed.) program.