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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCAT chapter.

If we survey different types of people from all over the world, the one thing we might have in common is that we all hate to hear the word, “no.” In dealing with the twists and turns of life, I realized that dealing with rejection is all a growing process.

Whether it’s a “no” from an internship, our moms, or an unrequited lover, we must learn to manifest and flourish in our self love and not allow rejection to consume us. People change like seasons, situations change at the speed of light, but one thing we should always be sure of is ourselves. We are not defined by the denial we experience in our lifetimes.

Society has brainwashed us to think that we should constantly chase a certain image to achieve true happiness: whether it be wealth, fame, or many companions. I have always been an avid believer in chasing the true happiness within myself. After a long day of trying my hardest, just for it not to be good enough, I find solace in thinking deeply. I take a hot shower, use my special aromatherapy wash, and binge watch my favorite shows. Often times in my dark, silent room I find myself reflecting on my past, present, and future.

My oh my, I have I come a long way.

The most beautiful feeling at the end of the day is when I remember that I am a resilient black queen…then life doesn’t seem so bland anymore. In that moment, it hits me that the one “no” from a company or a guy I like doesn’t matter anymore. The plans we have in store for us are much greater. I promise your world will not cave in. If I would have stopped at my very first “no,” it’s no way I’d be where I am now.

I know that the best is yet to come.

Delanee-Alexis Coley is a 19 year old Multimedia Journalism student at the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Ms. Coley is multifaceted and finds interest in anything from the arts to social justice. As someone who can be very timid, she is learning to take an active approach to follow her dreams, even if that means pushing out of her comfort zone. In deep thought Delanee-Alexis was inspired to join more organizations on campus and in her community, living up to her new mantra “Never be passive in your pursuit.”- Delanee-Alexis Coley. Locally, Coley has served as an executive board member of Charm City Aggies (Baltimore's hometown group), a mentor and dream enthusiast with Just Bee Empowerment Group, an active member of Alpha Lambda Delta Collegiate Honor Society, and many more. Back at home, Delanee-Alexis is the youth president of a nonprofit called Pure Potential Enterprises (founded in Baltimore, 2012) in which she helps youth organize collegiate portfolios, package scholarships, achieve collegiate acceptances, and compete for collegiate scholarships. Her favorite bible verse, Proverbs 31:25, is the epitome of how she feels about life. Though she has faced many up's and down's she is always confident that God will lead her where she is destined to be. It reads "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
Hi everyone! I am a sophomore at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University who should be majoring in Weddings, but is actually a Journalism & Mass Communications student with a concentration in Multimedia. Originally I am from Woodbridge, Virginia, which is about 30 minutes south of our nation’s capital. I have lived here all my life, but I’m not afraid to branch out and explore the world. This past summer I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia to engage and immerse myself in Australian culture. The experience was phenomenal and I’m already counting down the days until I can return that beautiful country. Check out my Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.