TUKIFEEL TUNADEAL: SKY girls on how they dealt with negative emotions in their lives

Being a teenager can be tough. There are many difficult things tuna-experience that affect our emotions and moods. Sometimes you just don’t feel okay, and that’s okay. We asked some SKY girls to share how they got over negative emotions that they had to face, maybe you can relate. Kumbuka, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and you’re not alone.

Recently, I felt some negative emotions that almost made me give up on my academic life. Our teacher gave out a R.A.T. and came to the next lesson with our results. He looked so angry when he came in so tulijua tumefail. For some reason, alinichukua out of everybody in class and he shouted at me and told me some hurtful things. I felt so bad that in the middle of the lesson, I cried. Later, my classmates cheered me up and told me I’ll do better next time but also reminded me of my self-worth. Whenever I feel down, naskia its very helpful when I talk to someone about it. Usidhani you have to go through anything alone. Lean on your good friends.

- Matilda 

Sometimes naskia like I’m not that beautiful. In school people have bullied me and said negative things about my body and my hair. Eti “hairline yangu inafanya backstroke”, and they might find it funny but it actually hurts my feelings. Saa zingine siendangi lunch because sitaki kuwa na wasee. Recently though, I’ve been getting better because najiambia that I’m beautiful and my friends have been there for me. Nimedecide hakuna mwenye ata take away my confidence. Haters will hate. I’m learing to practise self-love using positive affirmations like, “I’m unique ad that is my super power” and it is helping!

- Stephanie 

One time I felt really stressed and sad because my parents are really strict. While my friends get to hang out during holiday, I was never allowed out. The only time I got to chill with my friends ni kwa funkies za shule. At home, I babysit my small brother and just chill with my family, auntie and dogs. They also don’t allow me to watch a lot of T.V. or eat ‘junk food’. Naskia sometimes kama I’m missing out on life manze na sitaki kuanza ku go behind their backs. I dealt with this by talking to my mum and compromising, saa hizi she allows me some things but bado ako strict. She also told me that she loves me and what’s the best for me that’s why she’s strict and I understood her. Sometimes, itabidi uelewane na mtu and just talk to them. 

- Muthoni

One time, we were having sports day in school and I had been training for months so that I could win medals. It was now the day before sports day and everyone was so excited because our parents were coming and we were going for half term after the day ended. I was so excited for my mum to see me do my races and win awards! The next day, we began the event. I looked for my mum but couldn’t find her. When it was time for my first race, she still had not arrived. It threw me off my game and I came last. The same thing happened with my next two races. Later, my teacher pulled me aside to inform me that my mum had an emergency to attend to and she would come for me the next day. I was so sad; I didn’t want to do my last race. My teacher comforted me and told me to always do my best even when no one is watching. I came second in my last race and showed my mum the medal the next day. She was so proud of me and she was sorry she could not make it. I’m happy I got support from my teacher. Got me through it.

- Liza