Kamaya W.

Photography by Jalencia Pouge

If you’re reading this, know you are never truly alone.

There are people, places, and hands reaching out. All you have to do is take hold.

Mental health is a ride—

a roller coaster of highs and lows,

twists and turns,

surprises and disappointments.

Somehow, we find ourselves

stuck in the same amusement park,

searching for an exit that never seems to appear.

Sometimes, we get a break,

enjoy the sweetness of ice cream,

breathe in the laughter of those around us.

Other times, the ride never stops—

days, weeks, months, even years.

Sometimes, we have people beside us,

hands reaching out, voices guiding.

Other times, no one is near,

no one to be found.

Sometimes, we are in it alone.

And that’s okay.

But too often, we let the ride take over,

forgetting that we hold the controls.

Forgetting that we can slow it down,

that we don’t have to let it control us.

It starts with knowing what surrounds you—

the resources in the amusement park you call home.

The University of South Carolina has so much to offer—

counseling, mindfulness workshops,

outreach teams, meditation classes, and more.

The roller coaster had me in its grip,

but because of the resources around me,

I took back control.

I found strength.

I refused to let it take over again.

I found people who lifted me up.

I persevered.

I grew.

I learned who I was.

Just a first-gen college student,

once lost on this beautiful campus,

once a stranger to everyone, including me.

Kamaya W., University of South Carolina

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at UofSC on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to UofSC students, visit our chapter’s homepage.