Anonymous

Photographed by Jared Wood

If you’re reading this, growth doesn’t always look graceful.

For a long time, I was terrified of change, of leaving behind the comfort of what I knew, even when it wasn’t serving me. I used to let fear make my choices for me, convincing myself that playing it safe meant staying in control. But in reality, I was stuck, living the same days on repeat, waiting for something to change without realizing that I had to be the one to start it. It wasn’t until I forced myself to step outside of that fear, to apply for that job I didn’t think I’d get, to talk to people who intimidated me, to go places alone, that I realized how much life I’d been missing out on. The truth is, some of the best things that have ever happened to me came right after I decided to stop holding myself back.

I won’t lie, change is uncomfortable. There were moments I wanted to turn back, times when I felt like I wasn’t ready or worthy enough to move forward. But every small risk led to something greater. Every awkward introduction became a new connection, every anxious night before something new became a story I’d later tell with pride. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it doesn’t even feel like growth at all, it just feels like surviving. But one day, you’ll look back and realize that every step, even the shaky ones, mattered.

If you’re reading this, I hope you find the courage to take that next step, even if it scares you. You don’t need to have everything figured out; you just need to start. The people, the purpose, and the peace you’re meant to find are waiting for you on the other side of fear. Trust that you’re capable, even when it feels like you aren’t. Keep showing up for yourself, even in small ways, that’s where real strength begins. And when it gets hard, remind yourself that you’ve made it through every hard thing before. You’re still here, and that’s proof enough that you can keep going.

Anonymous, Virginia Commonwealth University

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