Preparing for the Unseen: Navigating Life’s Unforeseen

CV MEERA RAMAN

Life is unpredictable, no matter how much we plan. One moment, everything seems perfect; the next, it feels like the ground has disappeared beneath us. This is why it is important not to get too attached to one outcome. Things won’t always go as expected, but that doesn’t mean life is ruined—it simply means we must find another way forward.

For students, this unpredictability is even more evident. Whether it’s an exam result that doesn’t meet expectations, a scholarship that falls through, or personal challenges that interfere with studies, setbacks are part of the journey. But the real challenge is how we respond to these situations.

The Reality of Unforeseen Challenges

Consider the case of Aarav, a final-year engineering student. Aarav had always been a top performer, excelling in academics and extracurriculars. He was preparing for his campus placements, confident about securing a high-paying job. However, just a week before his final interview, his father fell seriously ill, requiring him to be at the hospital frequently. Unable to focus, Aarav struggled during his interview and did not make it through the selection process.

For days, he felt devastated. The disappointment was heavy, and self-doubt crept in. But instead of giving up, Aarav decided to take control of what he could. He sought feedback from the interviewers, worked on his weaknesses, and prepared himself better for upcoming opportunities. Within months, he secured an even better job, proving that a single failure does not define one's future. 

Understanding the Emotional Cycle

When faced with failure, it’s natural to go through a range of emotions:

Denial – “This can’t be happening to me.”

Anger – “Why did this happen? It’s unfair!”

Blame – “Maybe I wasn’t good enough.”

Hopelessness – “There’s no point in trying anymore.”

Acceptance & Action – “What can I do next?”

The key is not to get stuck in the earlier stages. Life doesn’t wait, and neither should we. 

Adapting and Moving Forward

Students often believe that one failure means the end of the road. However, reality proves otherwise. History is filled with examples of people who turned their setbacks into stepping stones.

Steve Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he co-founded, but later returned to make it the tech giant it is today.

J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam failed in his first attempt to join the Air Force but went on to become one of India’s most celebrated scientists and leaders.

The lesson here is simple: failure is not final. It is a redirection, a chance to rethink, improve, and come back stronger.

Preparing for the Unforeseen

Develop Emotional Resilience – Accept that setbacks are part of life. Instead of avoiding them, learn to manage them.

Focus on What Can Be Controlled – You can’t change the past, but you can improve the present. Work on your skills, mindset, and approach.

Have a Plan B – Whether it’s academics, career choices, or personal goals, always have alternatives. Flexibility is key to long-term success.

Seek Support – Talk to mentors, teachers, or friends. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see solutions you hadn’t considered.

Keep Moving Forward – The world doesn’t stop, and neither should you. Even small steps towards improvement make a big difference over time.

Conclusion

Life is a long journey filled with highs and lows. One failure, rejection, or setback does not determine your future—it’s how you respond to it that matters. When things go wrong, allow yourself time to process the emotions, but don’t get stuck. Take a deep breath, wipe your tears, and take the next step forward. Because at the end of the day, you are stronger than you think, and the best chapters of your life are still waiting to be written.

(CV Meera Raman is Founder & CEO, AASHA Infinite foundation)