Ayesha S.

If you’re reading this, you are stronger than you think.

I know life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Like you’re carrying the weight no one else can see. Your shoulders feel tense, your mind is never quiet, and there’s a feeling in your gut you can never shake off. I’ve felt it, too. It’s exhausting to keep up, to fight the silent battles that no one asks about, and to live in the fear that the world is moving forward, leaving you behind in the dark storm that consumes your thoughts. It’s easy to feel stuck, like things will always be this way. But I promise you, they won’t. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that strength doesn’t always look like what we expect it to. It doesn’t mean having everything figured out all the time. Strength is waking up and getting out of bed in the morning. It’s acknowledging your feelings, showing up for yourself, and holding on for another day. Carry on, even though you don’t know where you are headed. 

And one day, the things that weigh you down won’t feel so heavy anymore. You’ll get lost in the beat of your favorite song, find yourself laughing at something silly, or feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and for a moment, you’ll forget how hard things have been. In those moments, you’ll realize you’re still here. You’re still standing. And that is something to be proud of. 

I know it’s hard to believe things will get better when you’re in the thick of it. When the weight feels unbearable, it’s easy to think it’ll always be that way. But it won't. With time, the heaviness will lighten, even if just a little at first. And when it feels like too much, please remember that you don’t have to carry it alone. Allow yourself to lean on people who care about you. Let them remind you that you are not a burden. You are worthy of love, patience, and understanding. And if no one else has told you this recently, let me: I am proud of you. For being here. For trying. For making it through another day, even when it felt impossible. The world is better with you in it. Keep going. 

Ayesha S., Virginia Commonwealth University

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