Getting rejected… It hurts.

Philip DrostBy now, all the try-outs for the sports teams are just about done at St. Thomas University, and all the rosters are getting finalized. Some people know they are going to be on a team. Others will be pleased to find out they made it. The rest may end up throwing their Xbox controller through the wall upon hearing the unsavory news that they didn’t make it. Maybe if they played less Xbox they wouldn’t be hearing such bad news.

Regardless, getting cut sucks. But don’t give up. Whether it is trying out for the volleyball team or asking out a drop-dead-gorgeous-babe-a-liscious lady, you can’t give up too easily.

I myself actually considered trying out for the basketball team this year. I was going to work myself back into shape, and improve my shooting touch to a point where they wouldn’t have a choice but to take me. I gave up. It was partly due to circumstances, as having three jobs didn’t allow for much gym time, but if I really had wanted it, I would have found time. I regret it, but I have to move on.

So don’t be like me in that sense. If you really want to make whichever sports team, and you didn’t make it, this isn’t the time to hang your head. In fact, it’s time for just the opposite. You have to pick your head up and start practicing now. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to make it next year. If you start practicing NOW, you are getting ahead of everyone else.

It takes hard work and some real will power, but if you really want it you can do it. It hurts when you are told you aren’t good enough, but in the words of the great Taylor Swift, “Shake it off!”