How do I handle this rejection by my peers?

Question

I moved into a new school last december, got into the winter play, got into the spring competition play and I did well in both. I made new friends and did well in my theater 4 class.

Then came up this directing project for the spring showcase. I had directed many projects in the past and I knew one of the plays very well since I studied it intensely the year before. I had all the right credentials, I thought I made a good impression on my peers, this play was really, very good.

Out of ten students only six got to direct, voted by my peers in theater 4 class. I presented fairly well and got the impression they liked it. I did a great deal of more work into my director's book than others (includes blocking, costuming, lighting, setting, everything). And I went the extra mile to make my director's book extra good.
And I didn't get picked.
How do I handle this rejection? Life's become so stressful since it's my senior year, plus my grandma is very sick and may die this year. Help.

Answer 1

Often things like this are popularity contests - Students vote for their friends regardless of the true quality of each work.

Be proud of the product you produced on your own! I know that sounds cliche, but what's the point of doing something if it's not enough to make YOU feel happy and proud whether anyone else likes it or not.

If you're serious about pursuing this path as a career, the rejection will only continue and letting it build up gets harder. You need a thick skin in this business. Especially since you will OFTEN be rejected for someone less talented or who doesn't work as hard. Not even in the theater, but in life. Only confidence and satisfaction in your efforts will get you through it.

After all, Michael Jordan got cut from his college basketball team. Did you know that?

Keep you head up! Spend time with your grandmother and do everything you can to make sure this year is the best it can be by continuing to put yourself out there. Looking back, you'll be proud just for trying^_^

Answer 2

Hey natalia,

Sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Part of life is dealing with the beginnings and ends of life. We can only hope for dignity with little pain.

Your rejection, is simply a life lesson. You will not always be successful. If only one can be chosen, then you need to throw all your energy now, into helping the one that was chosen. See if you can learn, without any animosity toward the one chosen. If you have been successful at everything to this point in your life, take the failure (rejection) as a lesson to grow from. When you fail, you try again. You only failed to take the directors chair. Perhaps you can make the play chosen a success. See if maybe the person chosen has some talents you did not have, and try to learn. Keep it positive and it will be a maturing experience for you.

Answer 3

I wouldn't take this as a rejection of you or even your work. There are SO many reasons people will vote for one thing and not another and often these have little to do with quality. Remember, they voted FOR something. They didn't vote to declare what you did as bad.

And considering what you have going on, it sounds like a blessing in disguise. You have an excellent resume'/application piece (your director's book) showing your skills and your ability to follow through. At the same time, you now have the freedom to focus on your last year of school and spending time with your grandmother.

Answer 4

I know it feels awful like you've been taken for granted. It happened to me too. But it's all a popularity contest whenever it comes to highschool. They judge by who they like the most, know the most, who's the prettiest. It hurts. I was the top theatre student by far and no one could have denied it, but I didn't get to be an officer. Instead a girl who can't pass her classes to be in the plays, a Freshman, a cheerleader, and another cheerleader who didn't even take drama the next year got to be officers. I know it's hard to console these feelings, but you are left knowing that you are more serious and the harder worker. And plus, maybe they just didn't like the show as much. Maybe it wasn't about you. Not knowing still hurts, but when you get into college it will be different. Highschool is so grrrr......lol

Answer 5

Don't give up! Your project was excellent; but however, they didn't pick you maybe because of favoritism! Remember the class has voted for the best project. Keep in mind that sometimes familiarity breeds liking and they may have voted for the projects of the people they knew. Or they may have voted for the one who they are scared of rejecting! Don't give up though. Keep your work and find others who will support it! You will be surprised if one area doesn't like your work, then there is always other areas who like your work as it is, so don't give up! And visit you're grandma every now and then, too!

Answer 6

they probably picked the people they knew it happens a lot in life. someone could actually be over qualified for a job but the bosses kid or friends kid get the job. some of us work too hard to get noticed and actually do double the work to be left out. it is very discerning but it is also the way life goes it just isn't fair and the sooner you realize this then you will harden yourself up and not feel so rejected.

Answer 7

Reject them in return. Find something you don't like about them and keep thinking of it.

Answer 8

No matter how good you are someone is better. Its a fact.

My advice is to try and do better next time... use it as motivation to kick azz next time something similar presents itself.

There is no shame in falling, the shame is when you stay down.

Answer 9

ur life aint that bad ur jus goin thru a rough time dont sweat it and hard work dont always pay off just bc they dint pick ur work dont necessarily mean nething against u
u'll get 'em next time

Answer 10

ask yourself: " What would Cho do?"