Audrey Y.
Photography by Isa Vivona
If you’re reading this, slow down.
Life moves fast, especially in a demanding place like Northwestern. Hi, I’m Audrey, a senior on the swim and dive team, and I lost my mom during my sophomore year to stage IV Müllerian cancer.
Even before experiencing grief, I was already drowning in my anxiety and depression. Imposter syndrome completely consumed me as I tried to adapt to the competitive nature of Division 1 athletics and Northwestern academics. My internal pressure to exceed external expectations distorted my self-worth, leaving me confused, scared, and burnt out.
We are really good at thinking that we need to outdo each other and ourselves; that everything we do can be improved upon. I found myself pushing harder against the accelerator in the midst of my grief. Almost two years without my mom, I realize how much more there is. It’s so easy to think about what our next move is to help us get to our dream job.
So if you’re reading this, notice where your feet are—because this moment matters more.
Audrey Y., Northwestern University
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