Whitney C.

Photography by Isa Vivona

If you’re reading this, you are enough.

My name is Whitney Currie, and out of habit, I feel like I need to follow that introduction with a list of my accolades to validate my worth. I could say that academically, I’m a senior at Northwestern University, double majoring in Biology and Global Health. Athletically, I race competitively at the Division I level for both Cross Country and Track. I’ve always struggled with defining myself by what I do, rather than who I am.

I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember, and I thrived on the validation that came from performing well. As I got older, I started to tie my identity to how well I did in the classroom or on the track. It became a shaky foundation for my self-worth.

I grew up in a family where hard work and perseverance were everything, and showing emotion was seen as weakness. I learned early how to fake a smile, keep my head down, and work until I was the best in the room.
In high school, I tried to take control of my life and identity by restricting my food. My competitive mindset was never satisfied with the number on the scale. At a dangerously low body weight, I started racing faster than ever. I soaked in the praise from those around me, while ignoring the pain my body was in.

Committing to Northwestern saved my life. It was the first time I had to choose myself. I knew I needed to recover, both mentally and physically, if I wanted to keep competing—not for others, but for me.

At Northwestern, the heavy course load, 20-hour practice weeks, and the pressure of a new environment made me feel like I was losing control again. I returned to old habits, slipping back into my eating disorder. But this time, I had people who cared. My teammates pushed me to open up, and my coach encouraged me to start therapy. Choosing recovery was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the best.

I’ve learned that I am worth so much more than how fast I can run or how well I do on a test. I want to go into medicine because I know how deeply physical and mental health shape a person’s life. It’s an incredible privilege to help someone find their way back to themselves.

If you’re reading this, you deserve to take up space. You are more than a number on a scale. Be proud of who you are by how you treat others and how you treat yourself. Lean on your people. Be loud. Shine bright. The world needs you here.

Whitney C., Northwestern University

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