Julia S.

Photography by Duke Athletics

If you’re reading this, you’re doing better than you think.

When you’re in college, or competing at a high level, it’s nearly impossible not to compare yourself to everyone around you. You’re surrounded by people who act like they have it all together. Everyone you talk to has perfect grades, internships at big companies, starting positions, leadership experiences, or highlight reels that make them seem incredibly impressive. And when you’re in that kind of environment every day, you can begin to feel like you’re miles behind.

This is an important reminder that you’re not behind. You’re among people who are at the top of their game day in and day out, and the fact that you’re in that environment  means you are too. This is something that I have struggled with my entire college career. As an athlete and a pre-dental student, my entire life is shrouded with comparisons. It is so easy to lose perspective and think that you aren’t enough. However, I think that showing up and still caring is an achievement in its own right.

Something that I have recently realized is that being surrounded by so many talented, driven people has actually made me better in  many aspects of my life. When you are constantly challenged, you are forced to rise to the high standards. I know I wouldn’t be the soccer player I am today without my teammates pushing me every single day. And I wouldn’t have gotten the research  and volunteering experience that strengthened my dental school applications if my classmates weren’t doing the same.

There will be days when you doubt yourself, when your accomplishments don’t feel significant enough. This is inevitable. Regardless of the doubt, every day you are becoming stronger and more capable. The people who seem like they have it all together are probably fighting their own battles too.

So relax, you’re doing better than you think. One day, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come and all of the things you have achieved. So, if you’re reading this, you're doing enough and you should be proud.

Julia S., Duke University

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