Carla C.

Photo provided by Carla C.

If you’re reading this, just know you are more than your fears, your failures, or the expectations placed upon you.

Growing up around traditional cultural standards, mental health was often brushed off—seen as something that existed only in my head. But I’m here to tell you, as I once told my grandma: mental health is real, and it matters.

In many ways, I’m still discovering who I am. As a first-generation student, the road I’m paving for myself has been chaotic, uncertain, and lonely at times. There have been dead ends and moments where I questioned everything. But through it all, one thing has remained true—I am in control of my path.

It’s okay to feel scared. Fear of failure and disappointing others often weighs on my mind. But even stronger than that fear is the thought of not living the life I want for myself. Being a woman in STEM is tough. You need resilience to push forward, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your softness. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to choose between strength and sensitivity. I love the color pink. I cry when I’m sad. So what? We are all human, and embracing who you are doesn’t make you any less capable. 

When I moved away from home for grad school, the days of sunshine felt dull and directionless. I was afraid to seek help, afraid of what it might mean. In the classroom, I constantly felt like I didn’t belong—as if I wasn’t smart enough to take a seat among my classmates. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was different, that I didn’t come from the same background as them, and that I was now face-to-face with what privilege truly looked like.

I told myself I had to push through on my own. If I sought help, would it make me weak? Would it prove that I wasn’t strong enough? But when I finally did, my perspective began to shift. Therapy and counseling taught me something invaluable—strength isn’t about enduring alone; it’s about knowing when to reach out. It takes an immense amount of courage to be in tune with your emotions. It’s terrifying to admit when you’re struggling, to acknowledge that something feels off, or that you aren’t as happy as you thought you’d be. In a world that demands perfection, asking for help can feel like failure. But the truth is, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.

We live in a world obsessed with comparison, where social media constantly sets unrealistic expectations. It convinces us that we aren’t good enough, that we should have it all figured out, that we’re falling behind. It’s so easy to get lost in that noise. But let me tell you this—you are not behind. You are not falling short. You are walking your own path, and that is enough. Just because you don’t look, act, or think like the people around you doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

If there’s one thing I want you to hear, it’s this: I’m sorry.
I’m sorry for the times you were made to feel small. I’m sorry for the people who didn’t accept you, for the ones who dismissed or hurt you, for the moments that made you question your worth. But more than anything, I want you to know—you are enough.

The world will try to shape you into something that fits its expectations, not your dreams. It will tell you that you are too much or not enough. But you do not have to shrink yourself to fit into spaces never meant for you. You do not have to follow a script that was never yours to begin with. You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to want more for yourself. You are allowed to rewrite the narrative. There will be moments of doubt, moments when you feel like you’re standing still while everyone else moves forward. But remember: growth isn’t always visible. Progress isn’t always loud. Just because you can’t see how far you’ve come doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward.

So when the road feels lonely, when the weight of expectations becomes too heavy, I hope you remind yourself of this: You are not alone. You are not running out of time. You are exactly where you are meant to be. And most importantly, I hope you never forget that you are allowed to dream boldly, to love yourself fiercely, and to move through life at a pace that feels right for you.Because at the end of the day,this is your story. No one else gets to write it but you, so add your sparkle or pink to the world.

Carla C., Rice University

Connect With Us

This letter series features reflections by students, faculty, and associates at Rice University. Their bravery in sharing their personal stories about connection, struggles, growth, and mental health remind us that behind every face is a story, and that no one is alone in what they’re feeling. This series and space exists to share real experiences from our community, and foster deeper conversations around mental health on campus. If you’re reading this, we hope you feel seen, supported, and a little more hopeful.

Letter series coordinated by Katherine Sammy. To get invovled with IfYoureReadingThis at Rice University, email kss11@rice.edu.