CO-XST: STORIES

There’s a voice of longing inside every one of us daring, wishing and wanting to speak.

Each of our individual voices wish to serve as an ambassador of change, whether it is speaking out on delicate topics or simply trying to figure out why we are feeling underwhelmed. At times, we need inspiration to find that message of hope within our noise of confusion.

The CO-XST: Stories platform was created to showcase a broader social message of acceptance and hope to depict often-invisible experiences and start imploring everyone to think more deeply about who they are and how we can coexist in a space where our stories become a catalyst for celebrating each other.

Each blog post represents thought-provoking emotions which allow us to see each other as we are – human beings seeking kindness + compassion for our community, our countries and our world.

Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

LETTING GO WAS THE HARDEST PART

Until the age of 7, my life was pretty normal. I had a beautiful vibrant family. My mother was a lovely stay-at-home Mom and my father was a Navy pilot and we traveled all over the country. I felt loved, cared for, and safe. Somewhere along the line though, my family started to fall apart.

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Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

11:59

The only thing I could remember 11:59 that’s when your assignments are due 11:59 becomes one of the most important things in life a time defines whether you lose or win in life.

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Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

I’M DRAINED

Any time I try to go do something for myself, or even just go grocery shopping, my heart rate goes up and I start to get really nervous and feel sick to my stomach because all I can think of is, “I’m losing time and I’m not going to finish my work in time for class.”

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Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

LONELY

I don’t have any friends on campus, I have no roommate, and if someone isn’t in a group of friends they kinda just stay away from everyone.

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Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

EVERYTHING I WANTED?

I feel like everyone from my hometown is doing better than I ever could, thriving without me in mind. I miss them, but I feel like I’m never on their mind, no one reaches out.

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Students Kiya Naka Students Kiya Naka

STUCK

We always talk about our future together and how we hope to get married. It used to make me so happy. But Lately, it feels like things are going downhill.

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