Not long after submitting our college applications, we turn into ritual performing, finger and toe crossing freaks.

When the moment of truth hits our inboxes in late April, we pray we see ACCEPTED in big, bold letters across the screen.

Unfortunately, some of us are left with the dreaded, “After much consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you admission for fall 2013.”

Suddenly, it feels as if the world has come to an end and the countdown to self-destruction has begun. Here are ways to avoid falling into that pit of depression and start making the best of your college rejection.

Stop feeling bad about yourself.

The rejection from a college you’ve invested your mind and heart into hurts. Like a breakup, you’ll always find someone who is a better fit for you, and the same concept applies to choosing a college.

A college will not define your future.

A college in no way defines who you are or who you will be. A prestigious university is only one line on a resume. Hard-earned work experience and impressive skills make up the rest.

You reap what you sow, and if you work hard at any university, you will be rewarded in the end, whether that reward comes in the form of a job offer or a satisfying, once-in-a-lifetime internship.

Before attending De Anza College, I was rejected from the only college I wanted to attend. A couple of months into summer, I met a woman who told me that the name of the college I attended did not matter, as long as I set my mind to attend one.

She explained that many of her colleagues graduated from universities while their boss only completed community college. Her story showed that attending a prestigious university does not guarantee prosperity or a job title.

After hearing her story, I was inspired to never give up.

There are alternatives.

Recovering from a rejection takes time, but for now, focus on the colleges that did accept you. Be positive and take advantage of what the future may hold.

When I received my rejection letter, I felt as if someone had dowsed me with cold water and had ripped all of opportunities right from my bare hands. I felt like I was blindly roaming this earth without a plan in sight.

At De Anza College, I felt like my future was finally going places. Here, I was able to pursue activities that I loved, some of which I would have never been able to do or had the time to do if I was accepted and went to my dream university.

Through my experience, I came to learn that no matter what the outcome, you will always reach your end goal if you are dedicated to work and take advantage of all given opportunities.

Time is the healer of all wounds.

You are not the only person  who faces rejection.

With dedication and hard work, you can rise from rejection and reach your goals.