2024-2025 Executive Board

Photography by Ashley Kung

If you’re reading this, please know how truly grateful we are that you’re here.

As a pretty introverted person, I have never had a massive support system. I have often felt like this was a bad thing, like I should have a thousand friends at my side to get me through the hard times. It was not until I started the UF chapter of IYRT that I realized my support system is a lot bigger than I ever thought it was.

This has been such an incredible year, watching the Gainesville community get so excited about our mission and submit so many incredible letters of support. From Manjula’s letter, I too started looking at that poem in the hallway of the children's hospital on my way to volunteer, learning not to take hope for granted. From Joseph’s letter, I learned more about how to build my toolbox and it enabled me to connect with dad about mental health who worked in construction like Joseph. From Dr. Ahlgren's letter, I was reminded that my professors care about who I am as a person and what I am going through. And from all of the incredible letter writers this year, I was blessed repeatedly with their generous vulnerability.

I am so proud and thankful of my executive team and advisor, Sarah, for helping and guiding me through building this incredible network. I hope that this is just the beginning, that IYRT only continues to blossom at UF, and that students for years to come are able to look to our little page on the website and see a fellow Gator offering their understanding and support. 

Cathleen R., President

If you’re reading this, know that there is no singular way to process your experience with mental health. Growth and progress is something that is not linear. Rather, the downs can hit when it seems like you’re at your highest. Through my 21 years of life, I have come to appreciate the good and bad parts of what makes me, me. Our experiences inform us in ways that make us unique, and able to learn from one another. I would like to think that we, as humans, are forever growing, evolving. With that, our pathway to healing is also ever changing. Do not feel guilty in the way you find peace and progress in your mental health journey. Never forget what you go through; I implore you to sit in those valid feelings, and choose the way forward that best suits you —whatever that may be.

Ashley K., Vice President

For the greater part of my life, I’ve dealt with my mental health through repression. I always thought if I buried my problems deep enough, they couldn’t reach me. IYRT taught me to shift my focus from repression to reflection and to rely on my community, to see them as a support system rather than someone I was burdening. IYRT gave me the language for what I was feeling and the courage to say it out loud. I finally started listening to myself with the same compassion I offered others. In both talking to people about their letters/mental health and by reading the insight my community had to offer, I learned that I am not alone. I stopped being afraid of my feelings and started to nurture them. My approach to mental health, both on a community-level and a personal level were transformed by IYRT.

Mariam A., Treasurer

If you’re reading this, you are not alone. If there is anything that IYRT has shown me this year, it is definitely that. It can be easy to feel like you are alone in your struggles, but the truth is that there are many others facing the same things, and there are so many people willing to help and support you. After reading all of the letters that were posted this semester, it is evident that the UF community is full of support and compassion. We here at IYRT want to remind you that you are loved and that you matter, and to always reach out whenever you need support.

Shreya S. Marketing Director

If you’re reading this, please know how truly grateful I am that you’re here.

Starting our chapter of IfYoureReadingThis at UF came from a place of hope. I wanted nothing more than to pay forward just a fraction of the love and support I’ve been lucky enough to receive from those around me. I never imagined how many hearts we would touch, not just on campus, but throughout the Gainesville community. What began as a small vision became something so much bigger, because of you.

If you’re reading this, thank you for opening your heart to this organization and for welcoming our mission with open arms. Thank you for sharing such joy and enthusiasm as we have grown into this community. Thank you for believing in what we’re building and for allowing me to make a difference.

This organization has helped shape me into the person I am today. If you’re reading this, know that you’ve made more of an impact on my life than you’ll ever know.

Most of all, thank you for being here — this year would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the best first year, this is only the beginning! See you next fall <3

Anita B., External Affairs Director

If you’re reading this - thank you. 

As I reflect on this past year with IfYou’reReadingThis at UF, I feel so grateful to be part of such a meaningful organization. As Editing Director, I have had the amazing opportunity to edit and read all the letters from our incredible authors. Through this, I’ve felt more connected than ever to the UF community. Even though I may not personally know each letter writer, I feel seen and heard by my UF community, and I am reminded that I am not alone in my mental health journey. I hope that all our readers feel the same support that I’ve felt reading all our wonderful letters. I hope you hold all the heartfelt messages and stories our authors have shared this past year close to you in your heart like I do. 

If there’s one message that I hope resonates with you is that our mental health journeys are not always linear. Everyone’s challenges vary and their struggles may not always be visible. Even those that seem like they have it all together struggle sometimes, and that is completely okay! Whenever you are having a hard time, I hope you lean on those close to you for support and seek additional resources for help. You are never alone. 

Once again, I want to say if you’re reading this, thank you. Thank you for reading our letters and supporting IYRT at UF. Most importantly, thank you for being here and being you. You’re truly amazing.

Shivani S., Editing Director

2024-2025 Executive Board, University of Florida

Connect With Us

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

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