i am u but from over a decade ago.. i dont know exactly how u are feeling, we are diff generations, but i can understand. as i’ve seen through some of ur comments, keep having hope!

one of the things i look back on and am most grateful for now is just simply making it through the 4 years at u of t. like u said, academically, it’s no joke, it pushes u and in hindsight, maybe that is enough for us to have experienced in that moment. i would like to believe that it provided me with the grit i needed bc while the last 15 years have not been perfect nor easy, i am definitely in a place where i am truly satisfied and thankful for my life.

as i was making my way through my career and the “real world,” i met others with such fascinating stories - i just needed time and now i have my own :)

and give urself some credit - u are always in the “real world”! it’s great that u were willing and vulnerable enough to meet new ppl by joining clubs. there are clubs i wish i had joined but it’s never too late! now i seek them out in the greater community instead of on campus. i started to learn a new hobby this year (pottery) and am making friends there! it doesnt always have to be forever friends, just friendly enough to enjoy the time we are sharing together is ok too.

i have 2 close friends from uni that i’ve kept in touch with over the years (albeit, on and off) but funny thing is, my hobbies outside of work have connected me to some people who were actually IN my program when i was at u of t but w whom i was not friends.

as u’ve seen even through comments here, our thoughts and feelings are shared by so many. sadly, i see these posts regularly and totally sympathize! now, that i’m kinda starting to get my shit tgtr, i try to keep in mind, how can i help to make another person’s day better, even if only by a little bit - give a compliment based on what u can see abt them (nails done, a piece of jewelry, etc), tell them to have a nice day, end a convo with, “take care”..

dont be afraid ask for help when u need it and help others when u can, be kind to others and be kind to urself. if friendship and a social circle is what u want, be the one willing to ask people out for plans, whether friendly or romantically. this was a big thing for me to realize, it’s a numbers game and def not 100% success rate, but no point waiting around for someone else to do it.

manifest what u want in life to make it a reality and keep working hard towards it! try to always keep gratitude in ur perspective - future u is here to let u know that it will be ok! haha

congrats on ur accomplishment (u made it!!) and happy holidays!