Mark’s Story

I am Mark (27 years old); I was born and raised in Texas. Coming from a middle-class family, I had a lack of encouragement to attend college. I never had big ambitions; a small house and a small business consisted of the perfect life for me. When I was 18, I met this beautiful girl, who became the mother of my two children. Becoming a father made me focus mainly on creating financial stability for my wife and children. After having the second child, we got divorced, and I was given parental custody. I had a strong passion for drawing as a kid and my teachers used to praise me a lot – but that was all. My life took a turning point when my boss saw some of the drawings in my car. Long story, but I started my undergraduate studies in Animation and Graphic Design. This is the best decision I have ever made, and I don’t regret it. But somehow, it is so difficult to manage everything. I love my kids, and I appreciate every moment with them, but I feel so burned out. Keeping a balance between working, taking care of kids, and studying all at once is so difficult sometimes. These struggles make me question my role as a parent and decision to study. They made me experience a lot of anxiety and guilt.

Participating in the Emotional Wellness Program made my life easier. I didn’t realize that my life was just work, home, university, and no actual emotional connection with other people and no balance. My coach and I created a schedule for me, where we put self-care as part of it. Whenever I thought I was losing my mind and I was off-track, my coach sent me short exercises that fit my schedule and helped me deal with my emotions and responsibilities in a healthy way. I am so grateful for this program, and the most important part for me has been creating valuable friendships with other people in my group. My life now feels much more meaningful and on track.