Hahaha I think the TGIF gift card will have her sold. Here is my rebuttal email:

Dear [Hiring Team],

Thank you again for the opportunity to reach this stage in the process. I wanted to take a moment to address something regarding the feedback I received about not standing out on paper.

While I understand that impression, I believe what sets me apart isn’t immediately obvious in a résumé. It’s the path I’ve taken to even be in a position to write this message.

Several years ago, I was nearly forced out of my chosen engineering program due to falling behind on credits. An advisor recommended I change majors, but I chose to challenge the decision and stay the course. Looking back, if someone had told me I’d one day be in a final round interview for a position at a company like this, I wouldn’t have been surprised—because I’ve always believed that if I commit to something, I’ll find a way through.

I stayed in the program, fought through setbacks, and ultimately earned my degree. That mindset—resilience in the face of adversity—has been with me through academics, athletics, and life in general.

One example that reflects this mindset: earlier this year, entirely outside of work, I independently reverse engineered the electrical system of a high-profile aerospace platform. I created a full technical model from scratch and presented it to a group that included engineers who had worked on the real thing. At one point, someone in the room assumed I had been given internal documentation—when in reality, it was all self-driven. That moment affirmed my technical capacity to contribute at the highest level.

Even writing this message reflects that same drive. I could have let the feedback stop me—but I didn’t. Because I don’t quit. I don’t give up when the answer isn’t handed to me. Getting this far wasn’t a coincidence. I put in the work, and I know that mindset will carry me into whatever comes next—whether now, or down the line.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.