YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#1

Post by ericmsimons » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:11 AM UTC

I almost didn't get my Eagle Scout rank when I was in Boy Scouts. It wasn't a matter of it being too hard, I just thought it was easier to walk away from all of the years of work I had put into it and do other things. What was the point? It's just a stupid badge, right? Then I ran across an article from Mike Rowe, the creator of the show "Dirty Jobs", new face of Ford, etc. He's an Eagle Scout. When asked what he would say to Scouts about becoming Eagle, he said this:

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/3/30/Mike_Rowe-Dirty_Jobs_Eagle_Letter.pdf

tl;dr Becoming an Eagle Scout is proof that you aren't a quitter. You get shit done and are a relentless pioneer.

If this bump in the road rattles you enough to close shop, you shouldn't be an entrepreneur. The most successful entrepreneurs have failed more times than they can count. Each "failure" teaches you something...how to build an unbelievably great company.

Want to be a great entrepreneur? Get shit done and be a relentless pioneer. That is the real test of entrepreneurship.

PS - I got my Eagle Scout rank.

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#2

Post by dtyleryork » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:19 AM UTC

Just got rejected as well. Amen, brother

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#3

Post by jason_slack » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:35 AM UTC

I turned 18 before I could complete my Eagle. But Boy Scouts had a lasting impact on the way I live my life.

There are many things I have tackled in my life because I have the courage to stand up and do something others might not.

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#4

Post by ericmsimons » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:44 AM UTC

jason_slack wrote: post #3

I turned 18 before I could complete my Eagle. But Boy Scouts had a lasting impact on the way I live my life. There are many things I have tackled in my life because I have the courage to stand up and do something others might not. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

I agree. I'll never forget this one, though...

"Always be prepared."

Best advice to live your life by (especially when running a startup).

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#5

Post by ericmsimons » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:44 AM UTC

dtyleryork wrote: post #2

Just got rejected as well. Amen, brother

Best of luck to you, sir! :)

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#6

Post by bdclimber14 » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 3:52 AM UTC

I'm also an Eagle Scout and earning it is one of proudest accomplishments.

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#7

Post by jason_slack » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 4:00 AM UTC

ericmsimons wrote: post #4

jason_slack wrote: post #3

I turned 18 before I could complete my Eagle. But Boy Scouts had a lasting impact on the way I live my life. There are many things I have tackled in my life because I have the courage to stand up and do something others might not. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

I agree. I'll never forget this one, though... "Always be prepared." Best advice to live your life by (especially when running a startup).

Agreed...sometimes being prepared means knowing what to do when the unknown arises

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#8

Post by DarrenLyman » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 4:05 AM UTC

I am also an Eagle Scout! I have been hired at previous "jobs" because I obtained the rank. Just remember the sky starts where the ground ends! Just get it off the ground, and your in the sky... :)

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#9

Post by dpakrk » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 4:23 AM UTC

There's always something to look forward :)

Re: YC s11 Rejected Applicants: This is the real test.

#10

Post by katieben » Fri, Apr 08, 2011, 4:32 AM UTC

Girl Scout Gold Award recipient here just got rejected. (: I'm looking for a cofounder if anyone knows anyone interested in working on a social startup. I'm more interested in finding passionate people than people with a particular skillset.