"A "wall of rejection" is often a metaphorical barrier to success, but at the University of California, Santa Cruz, students were encouraged to literally share their failures on the wall. A "Got Rejected?" board in the two campus libraries last spring allowed students to anonymously tell stories of when they were rejected from opportunities, creating connection with their peers over similar experiences. Rejection walls are a somewhat frequent occurrence in high schools during college admissions season, inviting students to share their college rejection letters."
"The idea is to make students feel less alone and recognize that rejection is part of the process, as well as empower them to feel confident even if they don't get the results they want. Facing rejection or failure can be an isolating experience, said Emily Giovanelli, a mental health educator at UC Santa Cruz. "Many students believe that they are the only person they know who did not get into graduate school or land a summer internship." But rejection can hurt a student's mental health and confidence if they choose to isolate themselves from peers."
Students at UC Santa Cruz used a "Got Rejected?" board in two campus libraries to anonymously share rejection stories and connect with peers. Similar practices appear in high schools during college admissions season and in other campuses, including parties that encourage shredding letters and faculty who celebrate frequent rejections. The practice aims to make students feel less alone, normalize rejection as part of career and academic progress, and empower confidence despite setbacks. Many students believe they are the only ones who failed to get certain opportunities, and isolation after rejection can harm mental health and self-confidence. Simple stations with whiteboards, sticky notes and pens provided accessible ways to share experiences and reduce stigma.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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