19/05/2026
From Rejection to Redirection to Purpose 🙌
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Looking back now, I finally understand why I faced so many rejections or perhaps, why certain opportunities suddenly disappeared without warning. At the time, it felt confusing and even frustrating. But now I see it clearly, it was redirection toward where I’m truly meant to be. As someone who was considered an achiever in school, there were always high expectations from the people around me, expectations that I would land big opportunities right away and follow a certain path. But God had a different plan, one that didn’t always align with what others expected or what I imagined for myself.
I remember telling myself that I never wanted to become a teacher. Even in my imagination, that path never even crossed my mind. Yeah, you read it right. After graduating, I aimed high and applied to several airlines. I can still recall my application with Cebu Pacific, I was one of more than 20 applicants, many coming from well-known schools in the metro. Despite that, I felt confident and determined. I made it to the top five after the initial interview, written exams, and final interview, but after that, I never heard back.
I also applied to a five-star hotel that was supposed to open in Doha. During the interview, I even received an A+. The British interviewer commended me for maintaining eye contact and answering sincerely. I truly thought that was my breakthrough but later on, I learned that the hotel’s plans had changed and it was eventually restructured under a different management, leading to a new direction in hiring. In that moment, I realized that even opportunities that seem certain can shift without warning, and what feels like rejection may simply be life redirecting me to a different path.
Then came opportunities as a management trainee in three of the biggest food chains in the country. I applied at J**** and made it to the top five. I even had the longest interview, and deep inside, I thought, “This must be it.” Even the other applicants were saying, “For sure, it’s you.” But unfortunately, it wasn’t me.
I also applied at M*** I***** where I was already being asked to complete the requirements, but for some reason, I didn’t go back. And with Mc*******, I had already reached the onboarding stage when something unexpected happened, and I found myself rushing home.
There were even moments when I was asked if I wanted to teach at the college level maybe someday, I said.
But now, everything makes sense.
I never got the chance to work in an airline or experience traveling the world the way I once dreamed of. However, I’ve come to realize that teaching children is its own kind of journey. If working in an airline is about navigating different places, then teaching is about navigating young minds and hearts. And in this journey, I’ve learned how to handle life’s ups and downs with patience, grace, and purpose.
Maybe those doors didn’t open because they weren’t meant for me. Maybe I wasn’t being rejected I was simply being redirected. Today, I find myself teaching young children, something I once never imagined doing. And yet, this is where I feel growth, purpose, and joy. These little kids have taught me so much far beyond what I ever expected.
Sometimes, life doesn’t give you what you want because it has something better prepared, something you didn’t even know you needed.
Thank you, dear parents for your continued support, and to my tutees for always being so engaged and cooperative in every activity.
To God be all the highest glory🙌😇
