I know you are lost right now, but you will find your way.

This may be your hardest battle.

You Versus Yourself

I know that for so long college has been your escape from everything.

I know that when your foundation was shaky, you imagined the foundation you would create for yourself.

I know that right now you are just existing

Floating through life

I know that you are here, but not really here.

I know, you have been slacking off, doing the bare minimum in order to pass.

But you also know there are thousands of other kids who would kill to be where you are.

You no longer have an excuse for not having homework done or studying in the library

You are blessed that God knows the internal dilemmas you are having right now.

I know you do not know where your bond with God has gone.

Or where your connection with yourself has gone.

That is okay, just take it day by day.

Blessed that you do not have a heavy list of classes and work this semester.

But next semester will be different and loaded, so be ready.

I know you feel like you do not belong.

I know you feel like you are a walking stereotype,

I know you are forced to speak for your race,

Represent your race

Be your race

I know you are now questioning

if you are here because of your hard work or affirmative action

I know when you sit in that room, not seeing another black face,

That it feels like it is you against the world

That you are alone

I need you to know you are not alone

Like you are not suppose to be here.

But you are here for a reason, whatever reason that may be.

I know it is hard adjusting to a foreign environment

I know you feel the pressure, of living up to all that your ancestors fought for

I know you know what you want to be

Where you want to be

But you are lost and confused on where to go from here.

You have grown up hearing, “go to college, and make a better life for yourself.”

To Get Out

But everybody on the inside, can not tell you about or guide you through the outside.

I know you ask yourself, “What is next” since you did not think this far ahead.

I know you are worried about what is going on back home.

I know that you are worried that you will fail and let everyone down.

I know that you do not think you are smart enough, pretty enough or good enough.

I know that you do not know if this is the place for you

But you are here and appreciate it.

You once said that you can adapt to College

Well this is your chance to prove yourself right.

This letter is not to bring to surface your inner turmoil,

But instead to give you hope and confront what is holding you back.

YOURSELF