Georgia M.
Photography by Emma Joseph
If you’re reading this, remember that you are surrounded by people who want you to feel safe, supported, and heard.
From a young age, I remember being observant and reflective of my relationships with those around me. As one of six in my family, I had the privilege of growing up in a household that exposed me to the full spectrum of human emotion and connection.
Some of my earliest memories involve witnessing loved ones navigate mental health challenges. I saw the impact it made, not just on them, but on those who cared for them. This gave me a front row seat to the resilience required to simply move through the world, and it provided me with empathy for anyone in need of support.
When I attended boarding school across the country at age 13, I began to experience my own mental health struggles, particularly anxiety. It was a difficult adjustment, but also one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Between the ages of 13 and 18, I lived alongside around 30 other girls, and in the midst of my own challenges, I discovered what community truly meant. Even on my worst days, I found joy, laughter, and solidarity in those around me.
It was during the moments where I felt the most overwhelmed in my anxious thoughts that I learned to lean on the people in my life, whether it be my family, my therapist, or the girlfriends I’ve built deep and meaningful relationships with over time.
Flash forward to my senior year of college, I’ve learned to leverage my surrounding community, including the friends I made, IfYoureReadingThis, and the larger Wake Forest community, to feel supported and validated. I remind myself often: it’s okay to ask for help. Whether that means asking someone to go on a walk, grabbing a coffee, or simply being honest with someone about how I’m doing.
Community can show up in unexpected ways. Yes, our closest friends and family are often our anchors, but strangers too can make us feel seen. That’s something I’ve learned from being part of IfYoureReadingThis. As both a member and now a co-president and author, I’ve found a powerful sense of belonging. The letters written by students and peers are a reminder that we are never truly alone; And in moments of doubt or overwhelm, I know I can turn to my co-president, Prarthna, or the wider IYRT community for support.
So if you’re reading this, know that you’re part of something bigger: a network of people who believe in the power of vulnerability, support, and community. You are never alone.
Sincerely,
Georgia M., Wake Forest University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Wake Forest on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Wake Forest students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
