It is almost the end, if not already the end of the semester for college kids and high school kids alike. This time of year is often bittersweet- seniors are preparing for their next step in life, freshman are just getting started, sophomores are excited to finally be upperclassmen, juniors are stoked to be seniors. However, seniors are also scared of what the future holds, freshmen feel like there is an infinity between them and graduation, sophomores are expected to juggle more responsibilities next year, and juniors will have to start preparing for the next stage in their lives.
It can be really hard to feel as though you are good enough when you have expectations pouring in from everywhere that are often impossible to meet at the same time. This is for the kids who go to school everyday, keep their grades high, work part time, do a sport, and any number of other things who still feel like they aren't doing enough. This is also for the kids who suffer from mental or physical illness and struggle to get out of bed, miss a lot of school, are bullied by their family members for not having a job or doing any extracurricular activities and don't know what they want to do with their lives. This is for every kid who doesn't feel like they are doing enough, who feels like they will never make anyone proud. This is for the kids who are scared of the future, scared of failure at every turn, scared of stopping because they know if they stop moving, they will be yelled at or hurt in some other way. This is for the kids with awful home lives or no home to go to.
You are all so good. You are doing your best and I am so proud of you. I want you to know that you are good enough; I want you to know that you will find a place and a group of people who make you feel good about yourself regardless of how "productive" you are. I truly hope that you can take time for yourself sometimes- I know it's hard especially if you have other people who depend on you for their basic needs (like children or siblings or even a pet) or if you have no support network, no one to catch you if you fall, but it is important. If you are sick, go to the doctor- even if you are worried about the cost. The worst thing they can do is call you and send you letters about your outstanding balance. If you are exhausted, sleep- even if you have a million things you are supposed to be doing. Take care of yourself first or you will not be able to take care of the other things you are responsible for.
Remember that you are just where you need to be. The hardships are temporary. The pain will go away. Keep moving at your own pace. No one knows you as well as you do. You are so much stronger than people give you credit for.
