An Open Letter to My Struggling Friend In College

College is a series of triumphs and defeats, with the defeats seeming to come more often than the triumphs. As a high school student college looks so fun. Why? Because the people you follow on Instagram don’t post pictures of themselves crying with stacks of homework, the D they made on their first exam, or their planner full with four tests in one week. This scenario accurately describes my first 8 weeks of college way better than the posts on my very own social media. I think we want so badly to look like we’re having the time of our lives, but the truth is, we are all struggling at least a bit.

To my struggling friend,

We talk often, but it took a while for me to notice that you’re feeling defeat. I am sorry for that. But you are not alone. I know college is hard, and it’s beating me down too. I don’t know how to be this dedicated, or how to study. Some days (actually most days), I’m not sure I even know how to read.

I’m stressed too. When we talk, I mostly tell you about the fun I’m having and you usually do the same. Yeah college life is fun, don’t get me wrong. But the work load is so much and the classes are hard. I often feel like I’m in way over my head. Not only is college hard, but being an adult in general isn't easy. We’ll both get through it though. I believe in you more than I believe in myself most days.

I miss you a ton and I think about you often. I am happy that you made friends because I made some too. Not even a thousand miles can change our friendship. I can’t wait until I see you again!

If you get a bad grade and need to cry, call me and I’ll cry too. When you study so hard and finally get an A, call me and I’ll celebrate with you.

Don’t let college get you down. You are stronger than that. Think of all the people we know with college degrees; if they can do it, we can do it!

Xoxo,
Your also struggling friend

P.S.   I should’ve been studying, but instead I wrote this blog. I’m thinking about you, so cheer up soon! I am proud of you no matter what.