When I was in high school, I witnessed something traumatic — my friend’s dad was shot. That moment marked the start of my own struggles with addiction. My friends and family never talked about what happened, and nobody suggested getting help afterward. Looking back, I believe that silence changed the course of my life.

If you’re going through something painful, please talk to someone about it. It doesn’t always have to be a professional — even sharing with a friend, teacher, or trusted person who will listen can make a difference. Getting help and support, even when it feels uncomfortable, can truly save your life.

-anonymous 

High school is hard. The emotions, the energy, the rudeness, and puberty hitting all at once—it’s overwhelming. My home life was rough, and school was even worse. I was constantly bullied and told I wasn’t good enough. I turned to drugs, and it was the worst mistake of my life.

I wish I knew then what I know now: just breathing through it and moving forward helps more than you realize. I’ve learned to stand up for myself—even stopping my dad from hitting me, and protecting myself when needed. Journaling and finding ways to care for my mental health have been huge. Don’t get caught up in the drama, and always stand up for yourself. You matter.

-anonymous 

During my first semester of college, I found out I was pregnant. My family wasn’t supportive, and I was 45 miles from home with no car. I was terrified and felt like my only option was to drop out and follow my parents’ decisions about my unborn child. I just wanted stability.

The next day, a woman I’d never met saw me breaking down and offered me a scholarship and a cohort for student parents. The cohort was full of students just like me! This unexpected blessing allowed me not only to keep my baby but to raise them while continuing my education.

Reach out to your school and find the resources available to support you—they’re there, but sometimes you have to do the work (or they find you!).

-anonymous 

I’ve been addicted to my phone since I was 9 years old, and television from the womb. Some of my earliest memories are dancing to Sensory Fruits, and some of my best middle school nights were spent under my comforter on Tumblr until 3 a.m. That was just life—and I enjoyed it. I would write poetry on my phone, sing Broadway songs loudly, and curl up in bed scrolling Instagram after a long day.

High school and college brought Instagram and TikTok. I obsessed over likes, comparing myself to friends, and constantly tried to be “better” or “sexier.” I spiraled over every post, every view, every comment. By my junior year of college, a friend suggested I try going a month without TikTok and Instagram. At first, I thought it was impossible—I’d miss news, friends, and everything online. But I trusted her, and I tried.

Even after that month, I replaced it with YouTube Reels and continued compulsive scrolling. I realized I was using social media to avoid my feelings and reality. I hit rock bottom after returning from a five-week summer class in Nova Scotia, where I spent time offline and in nature. Back home, I stayed up from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. for nearly a week, my body angry, tired, and ill.

That’s when I found Media Addicts Anonymous (MAA) and Internet Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA)—one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Fifty days later, I choose every day to engage with media mindfully and on my own terms. I feel alive; I feel free.

Humans were made to live freely on this planet. We may not realize the weight of an enslaved spirit until we experience the euphoria of chosen freedom. Recovery—like sobriety—is defined by each person. You can feel joy, your sacred worth, and reconnect with real friends.

You got this.

– Lhéaux Hulin

During my sophomore year of high school, my home life became really rough. I tried to stay at school as long as possible, arriving early and joining as many extracurriculars as I could—anything to avoid going home.

One day, there was nothing to do after school—no clubs or sports without committing to join. I remember sitting in the empty cafeteria on the verge of tears, dreading going home. One of my teachers noticed and offered for me to hang out and do homework in her classroom while she graded papers and prepared to leave. She stayed for two hours, letting me sit in silence and occasionally sharing something interesting about class.

Before I left, she told me teachers couldn’t clock out until at least an hour after classes ended and invited me to come study in her class anytime I needed.

Sometimes teachers may seem strict or distant, but they notice when you’re struggling and want to help. It’s okay to ask for help, even if you can’t figure things out on your own. You’re not alone.

-anonymous

College applications were one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had. It really taught me to be prepared for anything. I applied to 22 schools and was accepted by only 11. I was completely set on NYU, and when they rejected me, I was crushed. I assumed I wouldn’t end up somewhere I loved.

All of my friends had already decided where they were going, which added to my stress. Every day closer to May 1st, I worried I wouldn’t find a school where I truly belonged.

I ended up choosing LSU. Attending Admitted Students Day reconfirmed why I loved LSU and why I wanted to apply in the first place.

Everything happens for a reason. You will get into a school where you belong and feel at home.

-Alexa De La Rosa 

I moved a lot growing up and spent some time in foster care, for a long time it never really feeling like I had a permanent home. Each move came with new schools, new routines, and new people to get used to. It was hard to feel stable or to imagine what life could look like when everything around me kept changing.

But I’ve learned that stability doesn’t always come from your circumstances — sometimes, you have to create it for yourself. Once you graduate, it’s a chance for a fresh start, no matter what your past looks like or what your plan is. You get to build your life on your terms, step by step, and it’s possible to feel grounded and safe, even if it’s something you have to make happen yourself.

Life may be unpredictable, but new beginnings are always possible — and your future isn’t limited by your past.

-April Lombard