I didn't get into my dream college even though I was a top student. I was devastated, but I'm happy it worked out the way it did.

• I was a top-ranking student in my high school and thought I would easily get into Delhi University.
• But I couldn't get the test scores I needed, so I was rejected from the school of my dreams.
• I was devastated and felt like a failure, but I went to college anyway and am now successful.

I always had big dreams, like any starry-eyed student. I'd always been a high performer, often ranking as a top-three student.

It wasn't just about getting good grades but also the sense of achievement that came with them. Each year, my journey through school felt like an exciting climb up a mountain, and I was determined to reach the summit.

As I grew from a child into a teenager, my dreams grew, too. Just being a top student in my school wasn't enough for me. I aimed higher and wanted to get into what I considered the best college in India, Delhi University. It seemed like a stepping stone to a future full of opportunities, and I was determined to get in. But my dreams didn't come to fruition.

I was a successful high-school student, but it wasn't enough

My parents and teachers admired my dedication to my studies, and I took pride in it, too. All my hard work and sleepless nights seemed justified when I scored exceptionally well on my school exams. I was confident that I'd secure a seat at Delhi University. Life was good, and my future seemed bright.

But it all took a turn during my senior year of high school. My top-choice school had high score requirements that, unfortunately, I couldn't meet in my final exams. Consequently, I didn't secure admission to my dream university.

All my dreams seemed to shatter. It felt like the end of the world, and I found myself questioning my worth. How could someone who had always topped their class be denied entry to the university they had always hoped to attend? It was a bitter pill to swallow.

The rejection hit me like a tidal wave, drowning me in doubt and uncertainty. I had always been the top achiever, and now, for the first time, I experienced failure.

Questions swirled in my mind: What does my future hold now? Did my grades truly define my worth? Was my future doomed because of a few test scores? I felt lost, adrift in a sea of self-doubt. I spent weeks in self-pity.

However, life had other plans for me

I eventually went to a smaller, lesser-known college in India and had a fine education. I graduated as a top student, but I still worried I wouldn't achieve everything I hoped for because I didn't attend Delhi University.

But one evening, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon an article about freelancing. It grabbed my attention, and I decided to explore it further. I realized that freelancing offered a unique opportunity for people with valuable skills and a passion to succeed.

I dove headfirst into the world of freelancing. I learned about various online platforms where I could offer my skills — from writing to graphic design. I spent countless hours honing my craft, building my writing portfolio, and bidding on projects.

The journey was far from easy. I faced rejections and setbacks, but I refused to give up. With each rejection, I grew stronger and more determined to prove myself.

Over time, my freelancing career began to take off. I started getting small projects, which eventually led to bigger ones. The more I worked, the more I realized that success was not solely determined by grades or the university I attended. It was about passion, perseverance, and the willingness to adapt and learn.

As my freelancing income grew, I gained independence. I was no longer limited by the conventional career paths that society had expected me to follow. I had carved my niche, and it was liberating.

Looking back, I realize that my rejection from my dream university was a blessing in disguise

The rejection pushed me to explore new horizons, discover my potential, and embrace a career that I never had in my mind. I've learned that success is not confined to the traditional definition of achievement. It's a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Today, I stand proud as a successful entrepreneur, proving that grades do not define one's worth or future. My journey from school to freelancing has taught me that the path to success is not always a straight line. It's full of twists and turns, setbacks and triumphs, but it's a journey worth taking.