High School Students Coping with the Health Crisis | #WeBelongInCollege Stories

Students everywhere are struggling due to the current health crisis. Watch these stories and remember that you are not alone - so many other students are also figuring out how to cope during these trying times.

Eboni’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Eboni has big dreams, but since the pandemic hit, she has lost her two part-time jobs. Now she doesn’t know if she will have the money she needs to be able to attend college. Like so many students, she’s struggling to figure out how to keep working towards her higher education goals. 

Jazmyn’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Although this health crisis has affected Jazmyn’s life, she has found a silver lining: she has discovered a talent and a passion that she never knew she had. 

Olivia’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Like so many students, Olivia is painfully aware of all the senior year rituals she is going to miss out on because of the health crisis. She’s also worried about her dad losing his job and how that would affect her ability to pay for college. She is already bracing for the possibility that she won’t be able to afford to attend her dream school. In her story, Olivia shares how she is coping and keeping things in perspective.

Lauren’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

We never thought it was possible to pack this much inspiration in less than 30 seconds, but Lauren did it! And we agree: you have worked way too long and hard to give up now, and as Lauren says, “we will get through this together.”

Kirsten’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Kirsten speaks for all of us when she talks about worrying for her elderly relatives and loved ones who are especially vulnerable to the Coronavirus. We can also all relate to the challenge of staying focused when learning remotely. Luckily, Kirsten shares some tips to help all of us get through these tough times.

Gozong's #WeBelongInCollege Story

There were so many senior year rituals that Gozong was looking forward to - she even had a strategy to win prom queen! And then came COVID. She started to regret not spending more time with her friends when she had the chance. The pandemic also made her realize how much her family needed her. Going away felt like abandoning her family, which made her question if she should go to college. 

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I remember my first day of school as a senior. I was excited to attend our school’s famous “Battle of the Barrow” homecoming game and to participate in senior activities. I planned out my campaign to win prom queen. I wanted to outshine the other candidates and be prom-proposed, just like a cheesy teenage rom-com. However, as the year progressed, college etched my mind. • I submitted early admission to my top college and applied for scholarships. I took advanced college classes and earned my certified nurse aide certificate. While maintaining a high GPA, I engaged in club activities and volunteer, having little to no breaks. Then, the pandemic occurred. I had to quickly adapt to online lessons, but it was a struggle. Bounded by household responsibilities, it was hard to make time for homework and studying. Then, the date for my virtual graduation came. I was emotional, thinking about what I accomplished in my senior year. Although I should’ve been proud, I had regrets and doubts. I regretted not spending enough time with my friends because of my constant anxiety about my future. I doubted attending college because I worried about helping my family. All of a sudden, someone’s voice ringed in my head, “your siblings aren’t your kids, so you should have no reason to feel responsible leaving them to pursue your career! It’s your parents’ responsibility to raise them, not you.” Their words resonated with me, and it gave me the confidence again to continue my education. • I wish to encourage others who feel a similar burden to pursue their dreams. Seniors, don’t forget to enjoy the time you have with your friends. It’s okay to take a break and self-care once in a while. Older siblings, you are not alone. It is okay to leave home for higher education. Your family will be okay and will find a way to adapt. As the upcoming seniors arrive, I hope that they are confident in chasing their future careers. So when we do have confidence, we won’t question whether we ALL belong in college! • • #webelongincollege #scholarship #webelongincollegestory

A post shared by CarinTheCuddlyBearʕ•ᴥ•ʔ (@carin_the_cuddlybear) on Jul 13, 2020 at 10:50am PDT

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