Jenna J.
Photography by Emma Joseph
If you’re reading this, I’m proud of you.
I have always struggled when it comes to making friends, but my first semester was one of the loneliest times I have ever experienced. I just couldn’t seem to find anyone I could get along with, who had the same values and enjoyed the same things. All I was doing was waking up, going to class, rinsing, and repeating.
I hate change, and starting college was the biggest change so far in my life. I was struggling to cope and was shutting myself off from everyone. I lost contact with most of my friends from high school and only had a few friends at Wake, but no one I felt really and truly connected to. At this point, I thought for sure I was going to transfer, but I decided to stick the rest of my freshman year out.
That was the best thing I could have done for myself. By taking the time to grow accustomed to this new life, I grew into myself and figured out who I wanted to be and how I wanted to move forward. The spring semester went so much better than I had hoped. I garnered a wonderful support system through various campus activities and found places where I could be myself and flourish.
I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and chasing things that I thought would make me happy rather than just waiting for the situation to get better.
To anyone who is not sure where they belong right now, I believe you. I believe that you feel lost and that you may not know where to go or what to do next. I need you to believe that it’s okay to feel that way. I will not pretend to know exactly what you are going through. I am here to listen and support you through this wonderful journey.
I’m proud of you for getting up in the morning, for going to class, for doing the chores you’ve been putting off. If you don’t have the support system that you need at home, I am proud of you. If you didn’t get straight As, I’m still proud of you. If you are just getting through the days, I’m so proud of you.
Don’t stop, work hard and become the person you want to be, the person that you can be proud of. No matter how long it takes, trust that you will find your place. Whether it’s on campus, in a student organization, or even if it takes a little longer. Take things at your own pace.
Your struggles are valid. Your experiences are your own. Your voice matters to me. You are important, and you are worthy of love and peace. I am so proud of what you’ve accomplished, who you are now because of what you’ve been through, and the person you are going to become.
Sincerely,
Jenna J., Wake Forest
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