Assalamualaikum - Feeling Lost After a Setback
Assalamualaikum everyone, I’m reaching out because I could really use some advice, duas, and a bit of comfort. I recently didn’t get accepted into the postgraduate medicine path I’d hoped for, and it’s left me feeling completely broken over the past few days. I spent the whole year preparing for interviews and everything involved, and I tried my best to stay the best Muslimah I could throughout this journey. I’m 21 and I know I have time, but the thought of sitting that medical entrance exam again scares me and brings a lot of anxiety. It’s a tough test and I’d already struggled with it once - which is one reason I relied so much on this alternative postgraduate route that avoided the exam. I put everything into it, thinking this would be my way forward. What hurts most is seeing close friends - the same people I practised with almost every day - get offers while I didn’t. It’s deepened my feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion. SubhanAllah, the news arrived just as I was boarding my flight to Umrah, and now that I’m here in Makkah I’m trying to have tawakkul and accept that maybe it wasn’t my time yet. Still, I feel exhausted, scared about what’s next, and find it hard to process this setback after dedicating three years of my degree to this plan. I’m praying and attempting to take things slowly, but it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, hollow, and unsure. Any words of comfort, practical advice, or duas would mean a lot. Also, if anyone has suggestions for things I can do while in Makkah to make the most of my ibadah and heal my heart, I’d really appreciate them. The “what ifs” about the entrance exam keep replaying in my mind - fearing more delays, more setbacks, more heartbreak. JazakAllah khair for reading. Any advice, encouragement, or duas are truly appreciated.