Class Programs
Photography by Derek Memmesheimer
During an all-class meeting, Class Programs leaders from the Class of 2024, Class of 2025, and Class of 2026 participated in a letter-writing workshop in which they wrote open letters of support and encouragement to their classmates whom they strive to represent. Below is a collection of their work and the messages they want to share.
If you’re reading this, know that everyone is on their own timeline!
I know it’s hard when it seems like everyone is ahead of you or doing more than you are. Just know that you are on your own timeline and your time will come. Keep working hard, stay positive, and work on bettering yourself from who you were the day before, not from who someone else was.
If you’re reading this, you are capable of success!
Maybe you are in a college class for the first time or the sixtieth, but regardless imposter syndrome is so real, and I have been there. You have the skills to succeed and thrive in your classes and your life! Live up to your potential ♡
If you're reading this, know that with time it gets better, there’s no deadline for success.
If you’re reading this, it’s going to be okay.
College can be one of the most stressful times of anyone’s life, but, keep in mind, it is only a short chapter in your story. In four years, give or take, you will be beyond VT and exploring bigger and greater things. Your entire life will not simmer down to a physics exam or a finance project. Even if you have to deviate from your original plan, everything will work out. It is all going to be okay.
If you’re reading this, do something for yourself; something entirely for yourself.
Take the dance class, bake the cookies, paint the ceramic mug. Go for a jog, take a nap, put together a Pinterest board. But only do it for yourself — the jog is to conform to societal standards; the cookies are for yourself to eat. It can be tiring to give everything you have away and go through the motions of just getting by. It’s exhausting. It’s not sustainable. No matter how small it is, pick something that would be rewarding to you and ONLY to you, and do it. Remind yourself that you’re worthy of your own time. This life is yours to live.
If you’re reading this, take a deep breath.
Sometimes we tend to overthink every little situation that we get into our own heads. So, I recommend that you step back and just take a deep breath. Take time to focus on the things you can control and appreciate what you do have. When we are super busy, we tend to forget the basic things. Take time to take care of yourself, get some rest, go on a walk, and put YOU first.
If you’re reading this, know that you’re not in this alone.
Other people are in the same boat as you. Other people feel the same, exact, emotions. There are people that don’t know where to access support. But know that it’s okay, it’s okay to not know. It’s okay to experience and feel what you feel. Everything is going to be okay because not everything will be perfect. Life isn’t, to be fair. It’s okay to make those mistakes or feel those emotions that you feel. It’s a lifelong journey and what matters is that you’re moving along the journey. Whether left, right, or backward. Take your time and experience what you experience as you’ll learn and become better every day.
If you're reading this, know that everything will fall into place.
I feel like a lot of us, including myself, stress about the future and if what we’re doing in the present is enough. This is especially evident in college when you are focusing on preparing yourself for the next chapter in life. So, I think it’s important to slow down and enjoy where you are now and know that if you put in the work everything will fall into place.
It’s all okay, don't let the pressure of the world weigh on you. You only put value on what you want. The world wants you to fit a figure, but no one fits that figure, and you are your own figure. You believe in yourself you can do anything.
If you’re reading this, you got this.
In college, it can be difficult to find yourself, focus on a million different clubs, events, classes, friendships, relationships, manage your time, and set your priorities all at once. Although this may be a tough time, take it one day at a time. breathe deep. live in the present. Even though a long day can seem daunting, just think about how good you will feel when it is all done. As someone who experiences anxiety, a long to-do list is never fun to look at, but tackling everything one little bit at a time is how I learned about myself the most. Also, don’t be afraid to treat/reward yourself for your accomplishments, even for things you think are insignificant. your hard work does not go unnoticed. appreciate your time in college because it will be over in the blink of an eye. Doing your best, giving your all, and pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can be, will all make your college experience worthwhile.
If you're reading this, take care of yourself first.
A couple of years ago I had someone tell me something that forever changed my perspective on mental health. They said, "in order to take care of the people around you to the best of your ability you have to take care of yourself first". I was the kind of person that would spread myself too thin and try to be involved in everything that I could and was really good at checking up on my friends. I never realized though that I was somewhat doing myself a disservice. This person telling me this helped me re-align myself and take better care of myself, which in return allowed me to better take care of the people around me. I saw a positive impact on my life which in return had a positive impact on my friends. All in all, don't be afraid to take time for yourself, and really make sure that you are okay before everyone else is.
If you’re reading this, know that seeking help will never make you weak.
I was raised as a military brat, with a dad and mom who constantly struggled with their own mental health. One year, while my dad was on recruiter duty, he had gone to his command and admitted to having depression and suicidal thoughts. His boss called him a “pussy,” and decided to send him on a month-long “mental health camp” that plucked him away from my family, which was the only thing that kept him anchored. At the time, my mom had to make sure that my brother and I never noticed a thing, while struggling with unemployment and a small town with close-minded people who hated my family because we weren’t born and raised there. For so long, my parents kept to themselves after this incident. It wasn’t until my dad’s suicide attempt that they decided that help was needed. If it wasn’t for my dad seeking that help, he wouldn’t have seen me and my brother grow into the people we are today, he wouldn’t have made it to my high school graduation, my brother’s college graduation, my brother’s wedding, and would never be able to go on the cross-country trips he takes with my mom every summer. When I admitted to experiencing depression and anxiety, my parents immediately set up a therapist for me and continued to encourage me and my brother to be open about our emotions, and how strong someone has to be to do that. Nobody is above mental illness, and nobody is above reaching out. When I had suicidal thoughts, I would remind myself of what my dad would have missed had he succeeded in his attempt, and what I could miss. I remind myself that the strongest people I know are the ones who are able to cry on someone’s shoulder about the thoughts they have, and the ones who continue to show vulnerability despite what the weaker society that judges them thinks.
Facing challenges is a part of life, don’t give up.
If you are reading this, know that it all gets better.
Throughout life, things may seem like they are never going to end, that you're trapped and there is no escape, but I promise that it all will get better. Surround yourself with friends who care about you, get help from trusted resources and professionals, and most importantly believe in yourself that things will get better! It might not get better overnight, but every time it will.
If you’re reading this, you are not alone.
When dealing with mental health struggles, I often feel overwhelmed with loneliness. NO one knows if you are struggling or can see it from your physical appearance. I often felt ashamed to share I was going through a difficult time or felt guilty that I felt the way I did. I felt that people around me were going through way worse and therefore my feelings weren't valid.
However, I learned that everyone experiences mental health differently, as everyone’s mind is unique. There is no comparison with mental health struggles, and you don’t need an explanation for how you feel. No one else feels your emotions and feelings are just emotions behind thoughts; they aren’t set in stone truth. Everyone experiences emotions on different scales, but they can relate in some way. You are not alone, letting people in and giving them the chance to understand and hear you out takes away the loneliness. You could be surprised by the number of people who have felt something similar and are willing to support you. For me, this felt relieving, and that half the weight was lifted from me. I wasn’t hiding; I felt heard, understood, and supported by the people around me. Overall, using mental health struggles as a way to connect with the people around you can be a beautiful thing and bring you peace. Your feelings are valid, you are worthy, you are valued, and you are loved.
If you’re reading this quickly, slow down.
99% of things that stress me out are a result of trying to do too many things at once. Realizing this, taking a step back and tackling each of my problems is always step 1 for me. I think that the world of social media is constantly forcing me to compare myself to others. I used to constantly tell myself “You need to do what they’re doing” and “You’re falling behind.” I’ve learned to take deep breaths and understand my limits as an individual. At the end of the day, I can only be productive if I’m balanced and focused on myself first.
If you’re reading this, you might feel alone right now.
Everyone else is passing their classes, on time, or accepting an awesome new internship. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, as a matter of fact, you’re in the majority. Many of us spend our treads watching others around us do outstanding things but we are all guilty of NOT watching ourselves do great things - you are right where you should be, and you have outdone yourself. Take a minute to reflect on all of your victories.
If you’re reading this, your ability to feel is a strength.
Feelings like sadness and anger can feel like a burden, or maybe even a weakness to come. We are all so privileged to feel the bad stuff, it makes the good stuff even better. Feelings indicate you are human and compassionate. “Overreacting” is a subjective term. You get to decide how big you want to feel; it is okay to feel big.
If you’re reading this, you are loved.
I promise.
Trust.
Class Programs, Virginia Tech
During the letter-writing workshop, members of Class Programs were asked to respond to the question “What words come to mind when you think about mental health?”, and here are the results:
Class Programs is a University Chartered Student Organization made up of elected offices and appointed leadership team members from each class currently enrolled at Virginia Tech. The organization’s mission is to build affinity, unity, and school spirit within each graduating class. Members of the organization are involved in planning, organizing, and executing some of Virginia Tech’s largest traditions. You can learn more about these events and others hosted by Class Programs by following along on Instagram: @vtclassof26, @vtclassof25, @vtclassof24
Class Programs is proud to support the efforts of IfYoureReadingThis to bring awareness, understanding, and conversation to mental health issues in the Virginia Tech community.
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Virginia Tech on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Virginia Tech students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
