Academic Challenges in College | #WeBelongInCollege Stories

Last updated August 5, 2021

Watch these students' #WeBelongInCollege stories and learn how they managed to cope when they realized they had not been properly prepared to succeed academically.

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 of 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 in college, 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 had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But when she struggled with pre-med requirements, she started to question everything and left college. When she finally found the support she needed, she found the motivation to pursue her true passion.

Karoline’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

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

Brianna’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

It started on the very first day of college. Brianna felt inadequate and unprepared, as if she didn't belong. She eventually overcame these hardships and is now on her way toward earning a Masters Degree!

Melissa’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

When Melissa was failing Statistics, she started to question if she belonged. After struggling through Statistics, she finally feels that she truly belongs in college!

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 just another number and she couldn’t deal with it. But eventually, she figured out how to regain her confidence 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.”