Evan R.
If you’re reading this, breathe.
As you progress through life, it is essential to visit the past. It is important to know how you got to where you are today, keeping in mind the obstacles you faced, and the feelings of defeat you have once felt. However, with a growth mindset, you will learn from mistakes and grow internally. This means you are willing to view other perspectives and learn to approach situations differently from what you typically do. My passion is to encourage others and be a part of their support system. Having the ability to connect with people on an emotional level has always been one of my favorite traits. It allows me to carry out my caring morals, and thrive as an empathetic person. As someone who is an empath, I’ve learned the hard way that people, including friends, will take advantage of my heart. People have attempted to rationalize their actions into making me feel crazy and say that I’m overreacting when, in reality, I’m hurt. From downplaying a situation and trying to find loopholes to say they have experienced worse. They would ignore my emotions simply because they were not intact with theirs or weren’t the ones suffering. Heartbroken and feeling abandoned, I had no choice but to seek help. Letting down my guard, allowing myself to be vulnerable and turning to my support system was my way to feel that sense of belonging and acceptance. Even then, I learned that I must also be able to rely on myself. We have all heard that you’re supposed to “forgive and forget” to heal. However, I believe you should “forgive and learn from the hurt.” Learn that it takes strength to move forward from the incident. Realize how it shaped and altered your view of society, or who may have inflicted the pain. Learn to be vulnerable and lean on your support system, accept that not everyone is in it for the long run, and most importantly, be okay with not being okay.
Just breathe, for you can create mentors out of mentees.
Evan R., Clemson University
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