Anonymous

Photographed by Holden Baxter

If you’re reading this, things don’t end no matter how many setbacks you have.

College has been an experience that I still struggle with, I’m constantly trying to find the balance between fun and my future. I entered my freshman year fully expecting to be the excelling student I was in high school, but that soon ended when I saw my first semester grades. I took the freedom in my hands and only focused on the fun, which was interesting to consider since I’m not that big on socializing. Along with the collapsing grades, I had lost three of the four close friends I walked into college with. As if that wasn’t enough for me to be upset about, I failed two of my classes and had to retake them, making me embarrassed to even admit that I was retaking courses.

I tried to enter a “redemption arc” and take summer classes. I handled that well, but then made the same mistakes in the fall semester during my sophomore year. I took my education for granted and that resulted in me retaking another two classes. As I realized it was a repeat of my freshman year, I knew that I couldn’t let this keep happening. These setbacks were a result of my decisions, but I didn’t want to let myself keep falling behind. These setbacks impacted me a lot and made me realize that if I didn’t take action to help myself, I would constantly keep falling behind and my dreams would slowly get further away from me. 

Slowly but surely I finally started getting the help I needed; tutoring, proper attention to my health, and a journey of focusing on my priorities and education first. It takes a lot of effort to keep going knowing your peers are ahead of you when things feel like they’re slipping out of your hands. Things don’t end there, because no matter how long it takes I will work hard to achieve my dreams and create the success that I desire. 

I just want everyone to know that no matter what happens, no matter how many setbacks, no matter how long it takes, that it’s all going to be worth it. Everyone’s pace is unique to themselves. 

Anonymous, Virginia Commonwealth University

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