Lemons, Lessons, and Letting Go

“It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

Nearly two years ago, I went through six months of unease and anxious anticipation—an emotional stretch that began the moment I submitted my Early Action application to Harvard, the school I had dreamed of attending since I was five. In the additional materials I sent them, I wrote: “To me, Harvard is far more than a school—it’s a dream that has driven me to become a better version of myself for over a decade.”

Pictures took in Oct. 31st, 2022 with my best friend in high school

From deferral to waitlist to final rejection, Harvard lit up my path in flickers—both in my journey of growing up and during that intense college application season. Although that light eventually faded, the warmth and energy it gave me have stayed. The rejection letter hasn’t changed everything. The girl who stood silently in front of it was still me, carrying the knowledge, courage, and resilience I had built along the way.

Almost two years later, I found myself standing on Harvard’s campus again. But this time, the invisible aura it once held in my heart was gone. Instead, I was filled with gratitude for the person I had become in the wake of that failure, and for the sunshine and ocean breeze I now get to enjoy each day. That disappointment had quietly given me one of the most valuable lessons in life: everything that happens—especially the setbacks—holds meaning. It’s just a matter of how soon we’re able to see it.

My first 3-day hike (left) reimagined as an oil painting (right)

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Failures are a constant in every life. Rather than letting them knock you down, ask yourself: What mindset will help me grow from this?

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Believe that contentment is life’s greatest antidote

Instead of obsessing over what you haven’t achieved, take a step back to recognize how far you’ve come. Celebrate the small milestones. Appreciate the peaceful or carefree moments in your life—the ones many people might envy. When we release ourselves from unrealistic expectations and learn to be grateful for what we already have, life begins to look entirely different.

18th birthday with my parents

Talk to someone who knows and loves you

Venting your emotions is essential for maintaining a healthy mindset. Sharing your thoughts with close friends can remind you that you're not alone—many people are struggling in their own ways. But what makes the journey bearable is that we can walk it together, encouraging and uplifting each other.

Some of my favorite moments with the people who matter most to me (Click the arrow to see more)

Travel somewhere on your own

In contrast, spending time alone is just as important. When you’re by yourself, the world feels more vivid: the sound of the river, the scent of the grass, the touch of the breeze—all feel amplified. These moments allow you to pause and absorb life with fresh awareness. They remind you not only how fortunate we are to witness this beautiful world but also how vast life is. The hurdles that seem overwhelming today may turn out to be diamonds you collect for the future.

Charles River, captured during my solo trip to Boston on March 27, 2025

There are countless simple ways to help us maintain perspective through life’s ups and downs. Whether it’s attending a concert, capturing moments with your camera, or just scrolling through old photos, these small joys anchor us.

These warm moments remind us that life is not defined by our failures, but by the richness of our experiences—a continuous journey where every moment adds its own distinct flavor to the story we’re writing.