When I first started this blog, I didn’t know how much of an impact it would have on people. As much as I had hoped for at least one person to be able to relate to my experiences and feel some comfort, I did not actually think I would get the feedback I have received.
The past few weeks have shown me that I am supported by so many people, such as co-workers, my current Res Life supervisor, other Pro-Staff members, one of my professors, my counselor at CAPS, family and friends.
My post from last week was actually inspired by a conversation my friend Felix and I had back in August. We both experienced grief the previous semester, and did not reach out to anyone, nor each other, and we had similar reasons why we didn’t. He shared my post from last week on Facebook, remembering our conversation on that topic and reminded me, “Just know you’re not alone.”
It was reassuring to know that someone else could understand how I felt. I have had several instances this week where I was reassured by friends that my blog is making a difference.
Someone else l I knew shared my last post on Facebook, and after I told her “I’m glad you can relate!”, she responded “Always. I’m glad you’re blogging. I’ve never known anyone that actually used CAPS. And I’ve been afraid to go.” I hope I inspire her to go to CAPS one day.
Another response that stood out to me was from my friend Brandon. We were talking earlier last week and he told me he read my blog posts. He stated, “Thank you also for being there and deciding to be brave and start a blog that really touches a lot of people, including myself.” Seeing those words across my phone when he texted me that really helped me see the impact this blog is making.
My two best friends here at the University, Brittany and Franshelis, are also apart of Project MyStory. It has been great, being able to talk to them about what I am writing each week, receiving feedback from them, while also being able to provide feedback for them as well.
Last Tuesday, Franshelis and I took a break from doing work in the library and decided to go to the Campus Center to get food. After eating some buffalo wings, we somehow got on the subject of my blog and talked about just how much has happened in a year alone. Fran told me that watching me grieve and learn healthy coping mechanisms helped her out so much after our friend Ravin passed away in September. She said if she did not have me there, going through the same emotions and finding ways to take care of myself, she does not know what she would have done.
I have been called strong for several reasons over the years but hearing her say it to me that night, really made me believe it. I could not help but cry. I was happy to know that my experiences have impacted her. That night in the Campus Center reminded me why Fran is in my life; to help keep me grounded and remind me how important I am.
It has also been reassuring to hear people tell me they are interested in my blog, even if they can’t relate. The day after my first post went live on Project MyStory, the Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Sari Khatib, stopped me as I was walking through the Lecture Center. He recognized me from when I applied to be an Orientation Leader freshmen year. He asked “Hey, you’re writing for Project MyStory, right?”
I replied, “Yes I am!”
Sari then asked what I was writing about, and I told him my theme was on grief, loss, and self-care. He replied, “I didn’t get a chance to read it yet but I will definitely check it out.”
It was a great feeling knowing that a faculty member of this University has noticed my blog and actually wanted to read it.
Knowing the impact that my experiences have on other people has helped me put things in perspective. So far, this semester has been a bit of a roller coaster for me personally, but every week, I look forward to writing a new post, especially now that I know that there are people who can relate and enjoy reading my blog. I am happy to be writing about something that is seen as taboo. Mental health is just as important as physical health. We all go through emotions we’re not sure how to deal with, or do not want to deal with at all. It is completely normal and I want to continue writing about my experiences dealing with emotions associated with loss. I have new topics to write about and I am looking forward to sharing them with you. If there is any post (old or new) that resonates with you, please do not hesitate to leave a comment. We all need words of encouragement sometimes and letting me know that you can relate or you took something away from my experiences, encourages me to keep writing.
Please Note: The views of our student bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of the UAlbany Advisement Services Center. These are their stories – their voices.
About the Author:
Kerry D.
Class of 2017
Major: Psychology
Minors: English and Education
Blog Theme:
Pulled Back to Move Forward
UAlbany Project MyStory 
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