More silver lining than cloud

UCSD rejected me:

I regret to inform you of the decision not to consider your application further. The Committee feels that applicants who do not have any possible chance of hearing of an acceptance from us during the summer should be encouraged to pursue other opportunities for acceptance.

My first reaction was a visceral flash of disappointment. But almost in the same moment, a wave of relief washed away all of the anxiety that surrounded the uncertainty of my medical education and my life, as well as the looming decision between UCSD and Colorado.

I finally have some measure of certainty in my life, now. I can look forward to going to medical school at Colorado and actually envision myself studying and living there. I can make plans for housing. I can tell my friends who I met during the open house last weekend that I will definitely be seeing them in August.

More importantly, I am genuinely excited about going to Colorado. Numerous people have commented on my animation and enthusiasm when I talk about both my interview and open house experiences at Colorado. "You came away with such a positive gut-level feeling," my mom said, and she's right. In spite of the negativity of being rejected, I see more silver lining than cloud in this situation.