I struggle with OCD, anxiety, and learning disabilities such as ADD. This has made life difficult and has made college challenging as well. However, I’m extremely grateful for the people in my life who have helped me by showing me kindness.

• Offering to help me when I needed it (sometimes even without me asking)- There have been countless times when people have helped me, such as helping me with an assignment for class or another student offering me a ride so I wouldn’t have to walk.
• Professors helping me- My professors have given me insight and spent office hours helping me with assignments. My rule is if my mental illness or learning disability is affecting my school work I let my professors know.
• Family- I’m grateful for my family; they are encouraging and are there for me when I need help.
• Friends- My friends help me by spending time with me, whether that was at a game, sitting with them at brunch, hanging out with them in the lobby, or watching a show together. My friends also give me advice when I am upset and have helped me focus on the good things in life.
• People being understanding and patient with me- This is a big one for me, especially as a person who has anxiety. I’m the type of person who never wants to make anyone upset and tends to fear the worst possible outcome of a situation.
• People opening up to me- When people share their personal experiences, it let me know that I’m not alone. I find it inspiring when people have told me about their struggles and how they are doing better now.
• Encouragement- I really appreciate when I’m doing homework or studying for a quiz and the teachers are encouraging, or when my coworkers tell me that I did a good job finding an event for Campus Activities Board. I am grateful for the RAs and friends who write positive messages on my whiteboard that I have hanging on my door outside.

People have improved my life by helping me in these ways, and I really appreciate that they have gone out of their way to help me. People’s kindness has been the best gift I’ve received in my life and I’m extremely fortunate to have helpful people in my life. I enjoy life more because of them, and it’s nice to know that I’m not alone.