Rejection

I interviewed at a local career center for a biotechnology instructor position (which would have, I think, been the perfect blend of science and teaching) at the end of last month. I feel that I did pretty well. I was smiley and enthusiastic, didn't fall into the "limp handshake" trap, maintained good, yet not creepy, eye contact, highlighted all the relevant biotech experience (three years of stem cell research) that I have had, and basically tried to be more likable and bubbly than I think I truly am. It went positively ... At least from what I could gather... But I still ended up feeling like a big cheeseball when it was all over. I mean, I was technically myself in that conference room, but I don't particularly enjoy spending an entire hour just rambling on an on about what I can do and/or would do in various situations to four complete strangers.

Even though I came out of it feeling confident, I still felt that the decision to recommend me to the Superintendent of the school district could go either way. Either they'd like my attitude and previous lab experience, have faith in me and my abilities, and take a chance on the fact that I haven't been teaching very long (at middle school, instead of high school, level) ... Or they'd pass.

Turns out, they decided to pass.

Now, I hate being rejected as much as the next person. It's not a fun feeling, even if you do get to hear the news privately, over a recorded message, instead of at a face-to-face meeting with your interviewer. Quite obviously, and quite simply, it sucks. I really (truly) felt that that job would have been perfect for me and my abilities thus far ... Yet, somehow, I'm very much okay with the news at the same time.

I guess I've always been of the mindset that "everything happens for a reason" (whether this is attributed to my Catholic upbringing, or just a mantra that I have adopted over time, is something to grapple with some other day). Maybe, by not getting this job, something better will come along and I will be happy that I didn't get it. Only time will tell, but, for now, I'm hopeful that there's more to this story that I am unaware of at this point. I mean, my current teaching position caused me so much grief that I made myself physically sick and nearly quit after the second week of school ... But I stuck it out, I'm just about finished with the year, and I do believe that I'm still there for some strange and wonderful reason. Who, knows? Maybe one student will find the cure for cancer because I interested him/her in science and dedicate his/her Nobel Prize to me.

It would be nice.

So, yeah, rejection sucks and I'm not too excited to spread this news to all of those individuals that have been pulling for me, but I'm okay with it ... And if you see any awesome high school science positions in the Northeast Ohio area, please let me know.