Living without fear of rejection and failure can be achieved by having people, places and patience, New York Times Best Selling Author and speaker, Harlan Cohen, told audience members at Oswego State. 

“I had a rough first year in college. I was really challenged and no one ever told me it could be that way and I thought it was me that was the problem,” Cohen said, “Change is uncomfortable. Just because you are not having the experience you want does not mean that you are responsible or defective.” 

The event, “Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable” held in the Sheldon Hall Ballroom was organized by Oswego State’s Residence Hall Association and sponsored by Campus Life, The Dean of Students office, New Student Orientation and Health Services.  

“An incredible amount of work went into this. We have been planning it since before the break but it has been worth it,” Justin Techmanski, event organizer and president of the RHA said.

Being in a place that has resulted in people achieving specific goals and being surrounded by those positive people and, having the patience to grow, will help to ensure success, and confidence, according to Cohen. 

“You need to have someone in Oswego you can turn to when you are nervous so that you have someone in your corner,” Cohen said. “If there is something you want and you are limited by that thing then you always need to think, people, places and patience.”

Cohen’s team contacted Oswego State initially to see if they would be interested in having Cohen come speak, Techmanski said. 

Following along the theme of Cohen’s speech about believing in yourself without fear of risk or rejection, Techmanski said, “Don’t be afraid to do the work.” 

In the efforts of making people feel comfortable sharing their stories, self-proclaimed master of rejection, Cohen spoke of his own struggles and encounters with rejection, which was effective in easing tension as the room would roar with laughter sporadically. 

“Whether it’s wanting to find some love or wanting to deal with uncomfortable situations in class people really tend to be a little more afraid of that,” Cohen said.

Audience member and Oswego State student Ivanelis Ruiz said that she has aspirations to be an actress, but has yet to take the step in that direction. After hearing Cohen’s advice, Ruiz said that she thinks she will pursue these dreams. 

Cohen, the author of six books, syndicated advice columnist and a speaker who has traveled to over 400 college campuses, is currently working on another book to be released next January.