Sarah B.
Photography by Julia Thompson
If you’re reading this, you’ve already come so far, and that’s something to celebrate.
I was sitting on the side of the road, crying so hard it felt like there was barely any air left in the world. My hands shook as I called 911, but even speaking to the dispatcher couldn’t stop my tears. Everything felt like it was crashing down all at once—the stress of exam season, maintaining a perfect image of myself online, the pressure to succeed, and the heavy weight of my own expectations.
Failing that exam felt like the last straw.
“I can’t do this,” I said into the phone, my voice shaking.
I was attending one of the best universities in the nation, surrounded by the most amazing friends, working out every day—doing everything “right.” I was in the best physical shape of my life, looking strong and healthy, checking all the boxes that seemed to define success. I had it all… or so it seemed. None of it could silence the voice telling me I wasn’t enough. I felt guilty for feeling this way, as if my sadness and anxiety weren’t valid because of everything I had. “You should be grateful,” I thought. “Look at all you have… how could you possibly feel this?”
We often treat physical health as a priority, pushing ourselves to train, work out, and maintain appearances, but the truth is, mental health is just as important. The hardest thing I’ve ever done isn’t training for a competition or pushing myself through intense workouts—it was asking for help.
For a long time, I thought I had to handle everything on my own, believing that needing support meant I wasn’t strong enough. But I’ve learned that asking for help is actually a sign of strength. It takes real courage to admit when you’re struggling and to keep fighting, even when it feels like there’s nothing left to give.
But here we are, right at this moment. If you’re reading this, you’ve already come so far and that’s something to celebrate. Staying present, showing up each day—that’s a testament to your strength. It’s natural to feel pressure to always do more, but remember, simply being here is already a success. Each day you wake up and take on what’s ahead is a small victory, and every victory counts.
So here’s what I want you to remember: those little acts, the ones that seem so small they’re almost invisible, are worth celebrating. Do something nice for yourself every day (no matter how small); Brushing your teeth, getting out of bed, showering, showing up, no matter how messy or imperfect—these are all quiet forms of major resilience. You are stronger than what your mind is telling you. These moments matter. They’re proof that you’re still here, still trying.
So if you can, hold on to any bit of hope, even the tiniest little spark. Reach out for help, even when it feels extremely vulnerable. Allow yourself to sit with the uncertainty and pain without needing to “fix” everything. Life isn’t about meeting a timeline or having all the answers. Healing has no deadline—take as much time as you need. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and the small steps lead to big progress.
Even if you can’t see it right now, I believe in you, more than you might know.
With love, Sarah
Sarah B., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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