Intern Blogs about Mental Health & Education

For a West Coast prep school girl, the dream wasn’t only about getting into a top college, it was just as much about landing a spot in one of the top sororities. Being in a “popular” house wasn’t just aspirational, it was everything. By junior year of high school, Greek life felt like the pinnacle of social success.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone is meant to have a place in your life. Looking back, I’ve realized that protecting my peace can mean making difficult decisions about who gets to stay in my life.

The rejections, waitlists, and deferrals put me back in the shoes of the little girl who felt like every argument between her parents resulted from her failure to communicate.

When I look back on the past two years of college, I can proudly say that I’ve never been happier and so thrilled with who I’ve become. Building my self-confidence has allowed me to grow into myself and most importantly, helped me learn how to love who I am. 

COVID-19 stole many anticipated moments from my youth, including the beginning of my college career. Forced into virtual learning and isolation, I had to adapt, become self-disciplined, and form meaningful relationships. While the pandemic took away precious memories, it also presented opportunities for personal growth and resilience.