By: Serena Lam
There’s something universally comforting about the words, “it’s okay”.
In any language, culture, or place.
But especially so for the ears of a student, whose life is built around stress and assignments upon assignments upon assignments.
“It’s okay,” they say, “I haven’t done it yet either.” Music to my ears. There’s something comforting in knowing that even if you sink, there’s someone who’ll sink with you—that sense of solidarity.
“It’s okay,” she says, “if it’s too hard, you can stop or try something else.” Relief floods my heart and a newfound will to keep going. Funnily enough, knowing I don’t have to do it makes me want to do it.
“It’s okay,” I read, “to not know what you want.” A smile tugs at my mouth because it seems this burning question is what everyone wants to know, and I, more than most.
“It’s okay,” I tell myself, “to be where I am, even if that place seems further behind than most.”
“It’s okay,” I say, “if your path takes longer, if your route is different, if your destination has changed. So long as you’re okay and you’re okay with it.”
It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.
About “It’s Okay.”
This written piece was a winning submission (third place) for the 2021 Academic Skills Writing Contest. The 2021 theme was “comfort.”
Author Serena Lam is a first-year Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences student.
About the Academic Skills Writing Contest
The Academic Skills Writing Contest takes place in the winter term, usually in January and February.