Student Life
Are you a stressed student? Or too stressed to even think about being a student?
You are not alone: 87% of Gen Z adults find their education a source of stress.
Sometimes we can feel like we are alone in our stress, anxiety or depression because of our past; but the truth is: while each of us has a unique path, we are not alone in how we feel about our struggles. Pretending or hiding our suffering only brings us more shame and gives the pain more power.
Below is a portion of a story written by our Content Creator, Annika. I believe that her transparency will help you know that – you are not alone.
“Sitting in classes for countless hours, trying to retain new information, and living in shared spaces with complete strangers while still being in foster care is layer upon layer of difficulty. I now know that I can hold space for all that comes with reflecting back.
I flash back to tears — so many of them. Tears from feeling out of place as I met with case workers each week, fearful that a classmate would walk into the coffee shop and see us. Tears that came with every parent’s weekend, family weekend, and event that reminded me of what I had to live without. Tears from the challenge of trying to study and learn as my world was filled with unpacking and processing trauma that I was freshly out of.
And to every youth in foster care who sees the statistic that 50% of youth graduate from high school and 3% of foster youth graduate with a 4-year college degree and dreams of being a part of those numbers — I’m cheering you on. Don’t give up. You can absolutely do it.”
As you face another day, another challenge, another decision, may you find strength in the fact that we believe in you and are cheering you on wherever you are in life.
All my support,
Nicole Hirai
Project Director
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