In these #WeBelongInCollege stories, students share how they managed to cope when they realized they had not been properly prepared to succeed academically in college.

Jordan’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

When Jordan was in high school, he had an underlying condition that caused him pain even when doing ordinary activities such as laughing. He had been misdiagnosed, and after multiple X-rays and visits to the doctor, he was finally cured of his pain. After this, Jordan knew that he wanted to go into the health field to help others who may be in similar situations. Once Jordan got to college, he found himself quickly failing intro-level biology classes and his advisors told him he had no chance. Eventually, Jordan found an advisor who truly believed in him, and with their help, Jordan was able to change his mindset and improve in all of his classes. 

I’Zayah’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

I’Zayah did his best to keep up with his classwork through a prolonged illness. Despite missing classes and being weak and in bed, he managed to turn in all of his work. When he was accused of plagiarism and had little energy left to defend himself, he thought it might be the end of his college career. But he persisted, and now he has some important lessons to share.

Christine’s #WeBelongInCollege Story  

Christine felt like she was the only one in her class who was struggling and began to question whether she belonged in college. She reminded herself why she wanted to be in college in the first place, and decided she would do whatever it took to catch up.

Stephon’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

When Stephon struggled in a class during his first year, he started to question whether he was smart enough for college. He soon realized that the only difference between him and his peers was their level of preparedness. Remaining confident in himself helped him persist.

Leidy’s #WeBelongInCollege Story 

Leidy aspired to become a doctor, but she questioned whether she belonged when she didn't do so well in her classes. Leidy found someone who believed in her throughout college and supported her all the way through.

Karoline’s #WeBelongInCollege Story   

Karoline wanted to quit college when a professor publically humiliated her in a remedial math class. Luckily, a college counselor convinced her to explain to the professor why she was struggling. And then, everything changed, and she realized that “Part of belonging ...is being open so others can understand you.”

Brianna’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Brianna felt inadequate and unprepared, as if she didn't belong, since her very first day of college. She eventually overcame these hardships and worked toward her master's degree! 

Melissa’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

When Melissa was failing her statistics class, she started to question whether she belonged in college. After making it through that class, she knew she did!

Lisa Marie’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Lisa Marie dropped out soon after starting college. In her story, she explains how she went from being one of the smartest kids to feeling like just another number. Eventually, she figured out how to deal with it and push forward.

Brent’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Brent was failing marine biology. He never had to work so hard to pass a class, but that struggle transformed him. He explains that “It pretty much changed my entire outlook on college. It taught me that I’m capable of doing anything. [Including] teaching myself stuff that I’m not necessarily good at and it’s possible to get through that wall no matter how hard the challenges are.”             

Watch more #WeBelongInCollege stories here!