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.
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.
GETTING UP WHEN I JUST WANT TO GIVE UP
There have been somedays that I did not want to get out of bed. Somedays that the depression was so heavy I couldn’t breathe.
WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE?
Anyone with depression knows isolation can be your best friend and your worst enemy.
A PROFESSOR WHO DOESN’T BELONG
He didn’t even realize that he had informed us to do a PowerPoint. He had no clue what he was doing.
COLLEGE IS SAD
College has been shoved down my throat since pre-k I know no other option. Now that I’m here, I hate it.
UPPER DIVISION WITH NO GUIDANCE
I’m supposed to be the one that should be able to do things myself but when I’m stumped, where do I go?
LETTING OTHERS DOWN
I’m starting to lose time, and a whole day will pass without me being present.
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.”
WHAT LIFE IS FOR ME DURING THE “PANDEMIC”
After we were told that we were not coming back from spring break I thought to myself, “well I guess I’ll just have to wait until August to hang out with my friends again.” Boy was I wrong.
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.
TEACHERS OVERDOING IT
I’m not really learning, just making sure that I’m getting everything turned in by 11:59pm.
AM I DROWNING OR FLOATING?
Geology is HARD when it’s not in person, a lab is HARD when it is not in person. The learning curve has been huge and there are days I feel like I will never make it.
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
I am normally a strong and confident individual. Lately, I cry at least once a day.
BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORRY AND CARE
Often being a black 6’3″ man in America I must be overly aware of my surroundings and unfortunately account for other people’s biases while simply trying to live my God given life.
BETTER TOMORROW
Although everything in my life is going in the direction I want it to, I feel like something is missing.
THE SUFFERING AMBASSADOR FROM KNOXVILLE
Not being able to talk with and BE WITH people hurt emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.