Turning Rejections into redirections

Okay, let’s get real for a second—this happens to the best of us. So, yeah, I got rejected as a chair for the first time (yes, I’m exposing myself here). And honestly? It was super sad, and during exams period (lol). I thought my application was a chef’s kiss: a perfectly crafted motivation letter spot-on topic proposal. But guess what? I wasn’t chosen. And you know what? That’s okay!

Chances are, you’ve been through this too, or it might happen somewhere along your MUN journey. The important thing to remember? It’s not the end of the world. What really matters is how you bounce back and grow from it. 

Was it your application? Your interview? Try to figure it out. And if you genuinely feel like you nailed it, remember that rejection isn’t always about you. Sometimes it’s external stuff like competition or what the conference needed at the time.

Remember: Applications are a balancing act. You have to be professional but also show some personality. If unsure, send it to someone in the MUN world for feedback. Fresh eyes can catch things you might miss.

If you made it to the interview stage, think about your vibe. Were you confident? Clear? Did you show them why you’re THE person for the job? If interviews freak you out (same), practice with a friend.

Being a chair isn’t the only way to participate in a conference. You can be a delegate or help out with the organization. These roles still let you show your skills and leadership. Plus, staying involved helps you meet people and find new chances for the future.

Feeling unsure? Try emailing the organizers for feedback. It’s not weird (Promise). Most people like it when you take the initiative and are happy to give advice.

So, if being a chair isn’t an option right now, don’t stress. One role doesn’t decide how valuable you are. Keep trying new things, keep learning, and stay true to yourself.  Important! No pitty—write a cool article about it and keep moving (as I did). Life’s too short to stress over a chair application result. You can still show up and crush it as the best delegate at that conference!