BU IYRT Team
Photography by Emma Kraus
If you’re reading this, BU IYRT cares about you.
As the 2023-2024 academic year comes to a close, the members of the IfYoureReadingThis team at Boston University have each written brief musings about mental health, well-being, and life in general.
Lauryn Lu (President):
If you’re reading this, everyone is on their own journey, and though it might be challenging, try not to compare yours to others. It can be painful to grieve the infinite paths in life you could have taken but didn’t, and too easy to miss all the wonderful things about the one you have chosen. Remember that you are only seeing fractions and glimpses of the reality of everyone else’s life, and do your best to have compassion for them and, importantly, to have compassion for yourself. Listen to your gut, and feel empowered to make changes when it feels off, but some doubt is normal. You trusted yourself enough to get to where you are today, and you may have already come farther than you ever imagined. Most likely, you are right where you’re supposed to be.
Guhan Venkatesan (Vice President of Outreach):
If you’re reading this, enjoy life. It’s a really simple ask, but that’s what makes life beautiful – our own little worlds can have so many answers to the question, “How do you enjoy life?” For some people, that means little things like reaching out to a long-lost friend or watching a YouTube video from that channel you loved as a kid. Others make plans to go see their favorite artists at a music festival or travel to a place they’ve been dreaming about all year. There are those who love to go big and go out, and those who are happy just getting out of bed in the morning with a plan to stay in all day with a cup of tea. The key here is that happiness isn’t something that floats in the air, landing on people like a butterfly. It’s not something you have to rely on others to obtain. You don’t have to force yourself to enjoy something. Ultimately, you choose what makes you happy, and you always have the chance to pursue something that makes you happy. That pursuit of happiness is what makes life wonderful– so enjoy the chase and make the most of it.
Morgan Martin (Vice President of Editing):
If you’re reading this, I want you to know you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, however you’re feeling, it’s okay to feel that way. The world can be overwhelming, and emotions can be heavy. But remember, your feelings are valid, and they matter. Take a moment to breathe, acknowledge what you’re experiencing, and know that there are people who care. Reach out for support when needed; don’t be afraid to lean on others. Although you’re a part of a larger story, your experience and journey matter.
Kendall Jenkins (Founder):
If you’re reading this, make time to reflect alone. It’s hard in school, work, and life not to get swept away by the feelings or thoughts of other people, especially when we feel that we are too busy to sit down and think things through. Time spent developing, strengthening, and solidifying your inner voice, goals, and guiding morals is time well spent. These pillars that you build within yourself can help guide you during tumultuous times, help you make difficult decisions, and make you feel more confident in yourself and the future you are building. As always, stay open-minded to change. Your goals may change as you age; that is normal. It’s important to be gentle with yourself when weathering these adjustments.
Emma Kraus (Photographer):
If you’re reading this, spend the next year falling in love with yourself and the world again. In biology, we’re taught that times of uncontrollable panic and prolonged sadness are caused by molecules in the brain. There is not enough serotonin, even after watching Pride and Prejudice for the 11th time, or wayyyy too much norepinephrine after redoing your ponytail, but strands keep falling out. I used to think this logical reasoning could bring me back to my baseline, that I could achieve mental homeostasis if I planned out every detail. But if you take a moment to romanticize your mistakes and not think too hard about the things you can’t control, you’ll find yourself forgetting about those times you were so conscious of the molecules in your brain. You’ll find yourself not wondering when the next bad day will be or what your “baseline” mental state is because every day feels like yourself (the best and worst ones). So spend the next year focusing on the things you love and overusing the word. “If it is true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts” – L. Tolstoy
Adjoa Fosuhema-Kordie (Outreach):
If you’re reading this, this too shall pass. I truly can not believe I have made it to the end of my first year of medical school. I remember how much doubt and anxiety I had about this journey a year ago. Am I smart enough? Will I make friends? What specialty will I go into? Will I absolutely hate Boston? (Not as much as I thought!). It was hard to be confident about what lay ahead. It was even harder not to feel like I was doing everything wrong. I was hard on myself and looking back, I wish I was kinder to myself. Transitions and new chapters are uncomfortable and messy for everyone. It took time, but I found my footing. Things have a way of working out, even when it feels like you are drowning. Take heart in the fact that you have been in difficult situations and not only survived but thrived. Take heart and solace in the knowledge that this, too, shall pass.
Carina Hou (Editor):
If you’re reading this, know that it’s okay to change your mind. Change is an inevitable part of life, for better or for worse, and actively changing your mind can seem like one of the most daunting decisions to make. Whether it’s changing your usual breakfast order, changing study methods, or completely changing career goals, it’s okay to acknowledge that the initial choice just didn’t quite fit. Changing your mind doesn’t diminish your worth or character. It takes courage to recognize when something isn’t working and to take steps toward something new. And yes, it’s scary — absolutely terrifying sometimes, but it’s normal to feel apprehensive. No matter how many changes you encounter or how many times you change your mind, know that you have the strength and capability to navigate through them. You’ve got this.
Kevin Singh (Writer):
If you’re reading this, know that you belong! It’s common to feel out of place and doubt your abilities, especially when faced with new challenges or environments. You might wonder if you have what it takes or if you’re meant to be here at all. It’s important to remember that those moments of uncertainty don’t define your capabilities or your worth. While we all have different journeys, each step forward you take is a testament to your diligence and dedication. As you continue your journey, hold your head high and step forward with confidence. You’re just as deserving of success as anyone else.
Matthew Kang (Editor):
If you're reading this, it's okay to forgive yourself. It can be so disheartening to feel that you're stagnating or even regressing at times. As I've begun facing the challenges of my third year of medical school, I've found myself frequently engaging in negative internal monologue — fixating on goals I haven't met, and bad habits I've slipped back into. What's helped me is taking a step back and reminding myself that the inevitable detours and setbacks are all part of my personal growth. It's normal to feel frustrated with ourselves, but it's also important that we learn to accept ourselves, flaws and all. Practicing self-compassion helps us make peace with the things we can't change and focus on the things we can. Sometimes, it can be incredibly hard to get over your negative feelings even when you try, and you may end up stuck in a mental rut for a while. That's normal, too. It's okay not to be okay sometimes! No matter what happens, you are worthy of your own forgiveness and unconditional support whenever YOU feel ready to get back up and move forward again.
Melissa Hwang (Outreach):
If you’re reading this, know that you are enough. It is so easy to feel that you are not doing enough, not smart enough, not cool enough. But the truth is, you absolutely are. You are intelligent and caring, beautiful and extraordinary in all the ways that make you the unique individual you are. Don’t ever let anyone or anything tell you otherwise.
Peyton Williamson (Editor):
If you’re reading this, loving yourself might take longer than expected. Before starting medical school, I thought I had everything figured out. I took some time off to work on my mental and physical health and ensure that I would be ready for anything. A few days into the school year, I panicked when I realized all of that preparation was not enough. The self-love I had neglected to discover was magnified by the overwhelming pressure to succeed as a student, friend, and family member. I searched for answers wherever I could, spending months grappling with the questions of who I am and where I find my self-worth. I wish I could say I eventually stumbled upon the answers, but that is far from the truth. What I did realize, though, is much simpler: loving myself is a continuous process that is worth prioritizing.
Thank you to all readers and contributors to IfYoureReadingThis, both here at BU and beyond — you are the reason we do what we do!
BU IYRT Team, Boston University
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