By Alice Gachuhi, Diploma in Communication and Media Studies Student at Zetech University

Have you ever felt like everyone around you has life all figured out, except you? Like you’re in a race with no map, while others seem to know exactly where they’re going? Each morning, you get up, put on your brightest smile, and present the best version of yourself to the world. But behind that smile and carefully curated image is a quiet, persistent voice whispering that you’re not enough. You watch others move through life with clarity and confidence, and you can’t help but wonder why you’re struggling to keep up.

The Weight of Unseen Expectations

Stepping into school is like entering a world far bigger than just classrooms and textbooks. You’re suddenly surrounded by people, some with direction, confidence, and even financial ease. You begin to stretch yourself, sometimes past your limits, just to fit in or keep up. Slowly, your focus shifts from your own path to everyone else’s. While others seem to have a plan or purpose, you sit in silence wondering if you’re falling behind, or you’re lost.

Embracing Your Own Journey

The silence gets heavier. You look at your life and think, “What am I doing wrong?” or “How did I end up here?” It feels like everyone else is building something meaningful while you’re still searching. But the truth is,  we're all running our own silent races, carrying fears we don’t show. What you see in others is often just the highlight reel, not the full story. We forget that we were never meant to follow the same script. Our timelines are unique. Our paths are different. And suddenly, it hits you: maybe you were never behind, just on your own journey.

So breathe. Step back. You haven’t failed. You’re simply unfolding in your own time