From Rejection to Resilience: How Jing Min Found His Path to NYU

Jing Min Lam, NYU class of 2029

For many students, the road to college is filled with excitement and anticipation. For Jing Min, it was a path paved with unexpected detours, resilience, and self-discovery. A native of Queens, NY, and a student at RFKCHS, Jing Min’s academic journey was anything but conventional. He faced rejection at every educational milestone—denied entry to preferred elementary, middle, and high schools. Yet, rather than allowing these setbacks to define him, he turned them into opportunities for growth.

"At first, it felt like life was playing a joke on me, constantly pushing me away from where I wanted to be. But over time, I realized that ‘一切都是最好的安排’ (everything happens for the best)," Jing Min reflects. Instead of lamenting the limitations of a small school, he took initiative—creating clubs, leading extracurriculars, and mentoring others. This mindset, of viewing setbacks as a catalyst for self-improvement, became the cornerstone of his personal and academic growth.

The Challenge of Storytelling

When the college application process began, Jing Min’s biggest hurdle wasn’t a lack of achievements—it was organizing them into a cohesive and compelling personal statement. "I had too many experiences to choose from, so my first instinct was to include everything. But that approach made my essay unfocused," he admits.

At its heart, his high school journey was about helping others succeed, whether through mentorship, leadership, or simply offering support. However, his early drafts failed to highlight this defining trait, instead reading more like a résumé than a personal narrative.

The Role of Mentorship

It was through the guidance of his Unity Scholars mentor, Leo, that Jing Min began refining his essay. "Leo didn’t impose rigid strategies but instead helped me shape my story in a way that reflected my mentoring and counseling abilities," he says. One of the most pivotal pieces of advice he received was to focus on a single defining moment rather than trying to encapsulate his entire journey in 650 words.

"That shift made my essay much more compelling. It transformed my application from a list of accomplishments into a story that truly represented who I am," Jing Min recalls. With Leo’s help, he also tightened his writing, cutting unnecessary details and ensuring that each sentence carried weight. The result? A narrative that seamlessly showcased his leadership, resilience, and commitment to empowering others.

The Moment of Acceptance

After a lifetime of rejection from his preferred schools, receiving his NYU acceptance felt surreal. "I was honestly in disbelief. Given my history, I didn’t expect this one to be any different," he shares. On decision day, his Chinese teacher, an NYU alum, eagerly awaited the news alongside him. "Before the results came out, I remember thinking, ‘You know, Baruch isn’t that bad either. If I don’t get into NYU, I’ll make it work.’ But when I saw the acceptance, I realized that every past setback had prepared me for this moment."

Lessons for Future Applicants

For students beginning their own college application journeys, Jing Min offers simple but crucial advice: start early and focus on clarity. "Writing your extracurricular descriptions in 150 characters while keeping them impactful takes time. And your personal statement will evolve—my final draft was completely different from my first."

Beyond crafting a strong application, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. "You don’t need to chase a pre-made path. Instead, have a general direction and recognize the road as it forms in front of you."

Looking Forward and Giving Back

Now preparing for his next chapter at NYU Stern, Jing Min is excited to meet new people and embrace new opportunities. For him, this acceptance isn’t just about personal success; it’s a stepping stone toward his long-term goal of becoming a CEO. More importantly, he sees it as a continuation of his mission to uplift others. "I’ve been mentoring and helping others throughout high school, and I have no intention of stopping. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained aren’t just for me—they’re meant to be passed on."

As he moves forward, Jing Min carries with him the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and mentorship. His story is a testament to the idea that success isn’t about forcing a particular path but about embracing the journey and making the most of every opportunity along the way. And for Unity Scholars, his journey is a powerful reminder of how the right support can help students find their own voices—and, ultimately, their own paths to success.

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