The best thing that happened to me was getting rejected from my dream college

When I was in high school, I dreamed of attending the University of Tokyo, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. I worked my butt off for three years to get in, but I didn’t make it.<br><br>When I was in my second year of university, I was still depressed about failing the entrance exam. I was on a train, going home from university, when I decided to take a shortcut home. I got off the train at a station that I had never been to before, but it was much closer to my house.<br><br>Because I got off at a new station, I had to figure out a new route to get home. I had no idea where I was going, but I was determined to get home. I walked for about 30 minutes, and there was a grocery store nearby. I went inside and bought some food, and then I walked some more. As I turned a corner, there was a small park, and a bunch of kids were playing soccer! I watched them for a while, and then I decided to join them. They were all around 12 years old, and their skill level wasn’t too high.<br><br>I played soccer with them for a while, and they asked me where I was from. I told them that I was from Osaka, and that I was attending university in Tokyo. They were surprised, and they asked me if I could help them practice their English. So I started teaching them English, and they taught me soccer!<br><br>I spent about 3 hours with the kids, and it was really fun. I decided to come back to the park the following week, and I did. I played soccer with them again, and we practiced English together. It was so cool to see them improve! I came back to the park every week, and each time, more and more kids wanted to practice their English.<br><br>I spent the next year and a half at that park, teaching English and playing soccer! It was so much fun! If I had attended the University of Tokyo, I never would have met those kids! Working with them taught me so much, and it helped me get over my disappointment. <br><br>After I graduated from university, I decided to work in China. I lived in Shanghai for 3 years, and I taught English in a primary school. Being able to communicate with my students in Chinese was amazing, and I’m so grateful that I learned Chinese.<br><br>I’m currently living in Taiwan, and I’m studying for a Master’s degree at the university in Taipei. Mandarin Chinese is the primary language used in Taiwan, and speaking Taiwanese Hokkien helps a lot too!<br><br>Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t get into the University of Tokyo. I probably would have ended up working a regular job in Japan, and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience everything that I have! I’m so glad I got off at that random train station, and I feel so lucky to have met those kids in the park!<br><br>&#x200B;