This is a poem I wrote during my first term of fourth year. I really struggled in those first few months, and bizarrely, found a release in writing. I thought it was important to share; perhaps others can resonate with the emotions I was trying to express.

Although I am thankfully feeling much better, I am so grateful that I have a reminder of such a difficult time. If you read this and you’re struggling, reach out. People are here. I am here. We are here to help. 

Run faster! Think faster!
They depend on you
To rise above, be better
Than the pettiness
That crumbles the world around you
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Do not react when faced
With the putrid smell of a fading institution
Do not feel pain when asked
Why, again, you couldn’t help them
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Rise above, be better
Than the sorrow engulfing good people
That sweeps up wholesome comrades
And makes them regret their careful decisions
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Do not react, when faced
With mistruths and twisted words
For your reaction cannot fuel
The raging flames that surround you
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Keep going, keep running
Into the next battle
For you cannot give up your position;
Reinforcement is not present
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Smile! Be kind!
Politeness may just save you
By masking your feelings of loss, and frustration
Or stifling your urge to escape
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Keep moving, stop feeling
You have no other choice
For overwhelmed, you can’t be
But we are