Nikki A.

Photography by Olivia Karczewski

 If you’re reading this, you have a community who wants to see you thrive. 

Throughout my time in college, I have encountered a lot of grief. But knowing that I have a community on my campus to help me through these times has kept me going (and thriving). Even in the hardest moments, I was able to remind myself that there are people who want to see me succeed and are there to help me do just that. 

In my first year of college, I lost two grandparents in the span of a couple months. And since then, I have lost a friend and cousin who were very close to me. Since I live out-of-state, it was not always feasible to return home or see family when grieving. So, I turned to my campus for support, which was one of the best choices I made. I saw a flyer around campus for group therapy centered around grief and decided to sign up. I have never gone to therapy, but I really liked the idea of having a space to discuss my grief with others experiencing similar feelings. One of the hardest parts of grief for me was the feeling of isolation. My group therapy sessions helped me realize that I am never alone in my feelings. 

I looked forward to having space in my schedule to remember my grandmother and work through my emotions related to losing one of the most important people in my life. While no one else knew my grandmother personally, I was able to share some of my most fond memories, which brought me joy. When my other grandmother passed away a couple of months later, I was devastated, but I knew I had a community I could go to, which comforted me. My experience with group therapy has greatly helped me as I continue to grieve, as well as remembering that I have so many different communities on campus to support me. 

In times of grief or loss, there is always a community that wants to see you succeed, no matter how hard it may seem. I am lucky to have found many communities of support on campus, and you can too. Grief and progress are not linear. Lead your life in a way you love in memory of those you have lost. Allow yourself to thrive. 

Nikki A., West Chester University

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