To the student who has their head down, I have been there. Going to school to get your education as well as working, and helping to raise your siblings, and/or kids is not easy. I get that it is not the life that you had asked for but just know that this will make you a stronger and wiser person.
I remember the days full of classes as well as complaints from teachers about you sleeping in class or not being proactive enough makes you feel bad about yourself as well. Just know that although some of your teachers may not understand how hard you have to work outside of school, someone out there does.
To the student who had just turned eighteen and parents had put you out on your own, I get that the world is a scary place. While a lot of students are excited about prom, and college, you are just hoping to survive. If no one had ever told you this already, I am proud that despite your circumstances, you chose to finish school.
Knowing the value of an education is what some kids your age just do not understand, but because you decide to continue to better yourself, you are awesome, so don't ever let nobody tell you that you cannot do anything with your life.
To the student who is battling mental health issues, I have been in your shoes. I understand how it feels to cry yourself to sleep at night because you feel unworthy of anyone's love, and I know that even when you managed to smile throughout that day, you feel mentally and physically exhausted. You matter to so many people, even your teachers. Never let people tell you that your illness does not exist.
Keep hanging in there.
To the student in foster care, you may think that you are unloved after being in multiple foster homes, but know that you are. I had also been in the system and I understand how you feel. You may feel as if you are unwanted because of so many things but know that it's not you who is at fault, it's the people who are at fault because they chose not to be a real parent to you.
Yes, you may be a difficult child to raise but you still deserve to have better parents. Despite being in foster care, know that it is only temporary and one day, you can create your own family of people you grew to trust.
Regardless of what your circumstances are, know that you matter and never let anyone try to invalidate your problems and who you are because your situation is what will make you a better person. On days where you feel as if nobody understands you and the world is against you, think again because you may not see them now but there are people out there who genuinely care about you.
