In just a couple of days, the 2016 spring semester at UC Merced semester will be upon us. As such, we as Bobcats should remain motivated and determined and make this semester the most fruitful and successful as possible. Sometimes, I find it hard to stay motivated. I find it taxing to concentrate, and I find it very difficult to keep myself disciplined enough to confidently complete a semester to the absolute best of my abilities. But sometimes, when I'm feeling down, I like to sit back, relax, and remember that they don't want me to win, they don't want me to be successful, and that if I want to finish the journey and achieve success, I have to ride through and weather the storm on the jetski of life. DJ Khaled has inspired me, and many others around the world, and I think he should inspire you too this upcoming semester. So, without further ado, here are the 10 major keys to success for college students this upcoming semester.

1. Be smart

You made it! You're in college, and since it's spring, you more than likely have at least one semester under your belt already. So It doesn't matter if you're a freshman or a fifth year senior, just remember how smart you really are to have made it this far. Intelligence comes in many forms, from reading ability, to ingenuity, to creativity, to social skills. If you're having difficulties this semester, just remember that you smaht, and to utilize your intelligence to the best of your capabilities.

2. Be loyal

Loyalty can be a touchy subject for many people, but it's a major key to success in college. Loyalty means being loyal to your friends, loyal to your family, but most importantly, loyal to yourself. We're only a couple of weeks into the new year, and a lot of people might have already given up on their New Year's resolutions. But that's not you. You can't let yourself down, like "they" want you to. Because you know they don't want you to be successful, they don't want you to have goals, and they sure don't want you getting a good GPA. So show "them" that you're loyal to yourself and your own goals, so you can laugh in "their" face.

3. Be grateful

College is a privilege that most people around the world don't get to experience. And no matter how costly it is, attending a university and having the opportunity to learn and study is something that you should be grateful for. Being grateful doesn't mean to be complacent, and it doesn't mean kissing ass, either. It really means to be conscious of the opportunities available to you and taking advantage of them. I know you've always wanted to go buy ya momma a house, I know you wanna buy you a house, because you want to show Momma how grateful you are to her and to yourself. But you can only do that if you remain focused and don't stray from the path to success.

4. Make friends with your professors (Just don't take it too far)

There are a myriad of talented and passionate professors at UC Merced that can be very helpful to their students. A major key to success is getting to know your professors. Go to their office hours, say hi to them as they walk past COB. Having a positive relationship with your professors provides so many valuable opportunities, from resume building to grad school recommendations and research opportunities. Getting friendly with a professor can also provide for extra credit opportunities and can even help you raise that 79 to an 80, or that borderline D to a C. Just try not to give your professor the D, OK?

5. Always make sure to eat well

Everyone who follows our favorite flamboyant DJ on Snapchat knows that Chef Dee has a nutritious breakfast prepared every morning -- turkey sausage, egg whites, and of course, water. Maintaining a healthy diet is a major key. You can't think well, study well, or make the walk up the hill every day if you're not getting your vital nutrients. Follow Khaled's advice, and get your breakfast game right. It is the most important meal of the day after all.

6. Make sure you have a squad that always has your back

College is an extremely social environment that can also be competitive and stressful. Having a group of friends you can lean on is vital for you, and your friends must be down to ride through the journey of success with you by their side. School is hard enough as it is, so why should you keep people in your life that only make it harder than it needs to be? Your friends should always be motivating you and supporting you, because you never walk alone on the road to success. There are always people there that could make you or break you, so please choose wisely.

7. Get a fun hobby

There's much more to college life than going to lectures, going home, and studying. To make the most out of college, you have to make time for hobbies, and muster the courage to find something that you enjoy outside of school. DJ Khaled loves watering his plants.... and his lion statue.....for some reason.

But hey, more power to him. What's your hobby is your hobby, and no should stop you from enjoying it. School provides a lot of opportunities for clubs and organizations to join, hell, you can start your own lion order. The world is yours.

8. Use your money wisely

Money is definitely a struggle for many college students every semester. And even though refund checks are starting to come back for many of you, don't forget to use your money for priorities first, like food, water, gas for your car, parking passes, and other expenses. Frequent and expansive spending can definitely land you in financial trouble this semester, even as the minimum wage rises. Don't worry, just always remember to be fiscally responsible--and don't give out your credit card information to anyone.

9. Enjoy the little things in life

Sometimes I let life get me down, but I know that "they" want me to stay down. Life has roadblocks, but I never lose sight of the little things. For example, I always love looking at the raccoons that frequent campus late at night, and I remember that life isn't always complicated, or stressful, or meaningless. And there's always plenty of raccoons around. Because there's always a leader,

followed by...

....and

.....and

......well, OK, maybe more than one.

10. Never play yourself

College is your opportunity to shine, and your opportunity to grow and learn who you are and watch you want to do with your life. It may seem like an overwhelming challenge, but always stay focused, stay motivated, and remember your goals and keys to success. Never play yourself, don't waste your time, and don't forget to have fun. You take control of your life, not school. Use your education and stay woke, stay active, stay positive, and never ever play yourself. Just remember who your are and never forget that YOU da best.