Hi, I’m Kylie— I am an upcoming senior graphic design student at Xavier University. I have spent a lot of my life learning how to show up for others, and now I am learning how to show up for myself.
Growing up as a competitive dancer, I was surrounded by mirrors. I’d spend hours in the studio, unintentionally comparing myself to everyone around me. It became a habit I didn’t even realize was forming. Dance was always an outlet for me, a way to express what I couldn’t say out loud. But as someone who often prioritized the emotions and needs of others, I rarely expressed myself beyond the dance floor.
I’ve always been the kind of person who puts others first. Their emotions, their comfort, their needs. But as I’ve grown, specifically this past year, I’ve come to realize something important: you can’t pour into others what you aren’t pouring into yourself. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. I’m learning to slow down, to check in with myself, and to ask the questions I never used to: How am I feeling? What do I need? What do I want my story to be?
In my later years of high school, dance shifted from performance to storytelling. That change allowed me to connect with myself in a new, deeper way. I realized that movement could be healing, and that my voice mattered. Now, instead of choreography, I find myself getting lost in fonts, color palettes, and layouts. But at the core, I’m still telling stories. The difference is: now, they’re mine.
The forms of self-care that matter most to me are both emotional and physical—going for walks, spending time with people who challenge me to grow, and creating art just for myself. These moments remind me to check in, to be present, and to honor my own needs.
We all carry things no one else sees. But the way we choose to share our stories, how we honor our experiences and emotions, is entirely up to us. I’m still learning how to choose myself, unapologetically. But every day, I get a little closer. And to me, that’s what self-care really is
To anyone reading: take the time to know yourself. Your story matters. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation for showing up as your most honest, whole self.