but I didn't think that it was THAT bad. Regardless, I kept on with my applications and researching post-secondary programs, but I struggled a lot with trying to find my niche. And the constant rejection that you face after every failed application didn't help matters either. It was depressing. And frankly, I got a little fed up with doors slamming in my face, so I decided to change my approach: if no one is going to hire me, then I'll just hire myself. And that's when everything changed. I began to research entrepreneurship and the notion of creating my own opportunities. When you work for yourself, you know that every minute that you're putting into your work is for you. And if you're doing something that brings you joy, then that just makes it all the more worthwhile. So I began assessing my skills, talents, abilities, passions, and motivations -- which everyone has -- and I focused upon them. There is a saying that goes "focusing on what you DON'T have is always a waste of what you DO have." I may not have had a job, but I had creativity, determination, drive, and discipline; these are the keys to success. I began to brainstorm ways that I could use these to my advantage while pursuing something that I was passionate about. The answer to that came pretty easily: I would harness my talents and become an artist, author, and singer. Creating had been a passion of mine since childhood.