Anonymous

Photographed by Alexander Grey

If you’re reading this, setbacks don’t mean you are not enough.

For much of my life, I saw myself as average, without any special talents, and I doubted I had what it took to achieve the dreams I held onto. Yet, despite that uncertainty, I continued to dream big. I wanted to become a doctor. I pursued that path, not because I believed in myself, but because I couldn’t imagine feeling passion for anything else. I hoped that my desire would be enough to guide me to my goal. 

When I entered college, It was a lot tougher than I imagined. I felt as though I was constantly falling short. My grades were average, my time management was poor, and I struggled with my mental health. I didn't feel prepared to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, and I often told myself I wasn't smart enough for anything. That feeling never went away. I faced failure, setbacks in my personal life, and derailed progress at, what felt like, every turn. Even now, having accomplished a lot as a senior in college, I still grapple with feelings of inadequacy, doubt, and fear that I’m not ready for the opportunities that come my way. 

Yet, despite it all, I have learned something crucial: with every setback, failure, and moment of doubt, I’ve grown more than words can say. Each time I thought I wasn’t good enough, I was presented with a new opportunity to either correct what was holding me back or realize that the barrier wasn’t a personal flaw but something I had built up in my own mind. College has been a journey of resilience, forcing me to confront my anxiety and self-doubt head-on. Those feelings haven’t disappeared—sometimes they still feel overwhelming—but persistence and perseverance have been my greatest allies. 

Through all the anxiety, the failures, and the moments when I wanted to give up, I’ve also had incredible opportunities. I’ve volunteered in many ways that reminded me life is about more than just my career or achievements on paper. I’ve also earned good grades, pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, and made progress in ways that aren’t always visible in a GPA or transcript. My freshman year self would have never even envisioned this version of myself. Even in the moments of self doubt, I have learned how to carry myself with confidence. 

College has taught me that my self-doubt does not define me. It was unrealistic to expect those feelings to simply vanish. Truthfully, I may achieve all my goals and still feel moments of doubt. What matters most, however, is perseverance. 

I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m fortunate to have had loving parents and friends who reminded me that I am enough, that I am capable of achieving what I set my mind to. I’ve also found inspiration in the stories of others who faced similar challenges—it’s comforting to know that

I’m not alone. Allowing people to help you, and keeping valuable relationships close to me changed the way I was able to think about myself. 

So to anyone reading this: You are capable. It is ok and completely normal to have anxiety and self-doubt. Life is not always going to follow a straight uphill path, it’s normal to feel bogged down and like you are in a difficult place. However, you can push through difficult times, grow beyond your mistakes, and achieve anything you set your mind to. Life is full of challenges, and no one goes through it without making mistakes, you are not alone in that. But know this—no goal is too big or too small. You have the power to persevere, grow, and accomplish all that you dream of and become the best version of yourself.

Anonymous, Virginia Commonwealth University

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