No. 11

I graduated 11th in my law school class.

This event, quite simply, devasted me. I did not make it to the coveted "Top 10". I was not 11th out of 105, I was the first loser.

I felt so bad because I worked so hard those four years and fell short. I didn't get it. And it was out of my hands.

8 years later, I arguably have the best job in my entire class. I will not have this position forever (I'm just waiting for the guys at the Firm to come to their senses.) but I do have it now. I worked at something and I found success and fulfillment in my own way.

When I face disappointment over things, I remember that day I found out I came up one short of being in the top ten.

And keep hope alive by knowing that other things will come my way.