The Internship I Thought Was Mine

I recently applied for an internship that felt like it was made for me. Literature, culture, heritage—everything I breathe, live, and love.

Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash

And I thought, This is it.

I had this inexplicable confidence, the kind where you feel your name is already etched on the seat.

Who could possibly be better suited for this?

Turns out, a lot of people.

Here’s the fun: I didn’t find out because someone from the company reached out. Nope. No polite rejection email, no "Thanks for applying." Nothing. I discovered it the hard way—through social media posts from others celebrating their selection.

That moment? It hurt.

Dear Companies: A rejection email is not just a courtesy; it’s decency. We’ve all put in time and effort, some of us with nothing but grit and internet tutorials backing us up. A simple “No” would make the heartbreak less messy.

Far from perfect, I’m emotional, often too much for my own good. I come from a tier-three city where opportunities don’t exactly knock on your door. I don’t have mentors or role models in my life doing what I aspire to do. Everything I’ve learned about navigating internships, resumes, and interviews has come from deep dives into the internet.

And yet, I’ve made it this far.

But sometimes, even when you give it your all, you’re not the right fit. That’s hard to accept, especially when you believe, deep down, that no one else could possibly do it better. Rejection can make you question everything about yourself—your skills, your worth, even your dreams.

Today, I’m letting myself sit with this sadness. It’s heavy, but it’s not unbearable. I remind myself of the two internships I did land, of the learning curve I’m climbing, and of the resilience I’ve built by doing things most people in my shoes wouldn’t even attempt.

Maybe I wasn’t the right fit for this opportunity. But there will be others. And until then

I’ll keep moving…