I don't know why I did it. I don't know how I thought I could do it without having to give up my life of a normal student. It was a class that I had to take and I had to make this sacrifice. I'm not entirely sure it was worth it, though I can't change anything now.

I have the same thoughts every morning. For those of you that share this burden with me, I'm sure you understand.

1. The alarm

It starts it all. The dread in my stomach is immediate and heavy.

“Why me?"

“Why does it have to be this way?"

“Why was I stupid enough to do this?"

I snooze my alarm clock until the last possible minute. I slide out of bed as quietly as my half-awake body will allow me in order to not wake my roommates. Regrettably, I always end up tripping over my own feet or whatever else may be on the floor.

2. The packing

Without fail (it's amazing really), I always forget to get my things together the night before. I fumble around in the dark, desperately trying to get everything packed so I can get to class on time.

“Where is my notebook?"

“Is this the blue notebook or the purple one?"

“I'll just bring them both."

I finally make it outside the door, carefully shutting it so that it doesn't slam and wake up my roommates.

“I forgot my computer."

Of course I did.

3. The walk

It's early in the morning and so far this semester it has been freezing, raining, or freezing and raining. The walk is lonely, since I'm only one of few idiots who made this poor choice. Normally, I listen to music to attempt to make it better. However, it barely helps. This is a long walk.

“I should start getting Ubers to this class."

“Actually, Uber drivers aren't even driving right now."

Figures.

4. The arrival

It's good to know I'm not the most miserable one in the room. Take a look around and you'll see the long faces, the depressed, drawn-out yawns, and the despair evident on their faces. A lot of people don't show up and I don't blame them. However, the threat of no grade on a pop quiz is enough to make my zombie-like body arrive to class.

“Maybe she wont show up."

“There's that fifteen minute rule, right?"

“7:30 on the dot—there she is."

5. The class

Honestly, I probably could do much better in this class if it was not this early. I try to focus, but I drift in and out of the lecture. I can't help it. I'm a poorly-rested college student. Aside from myself, there are some very energetic and enthusiastic students who absolutely adore this class.

“Good for you, fellow students, because you alone carry our participation."

“Oh good, a clicker quiz."

“And I don't know anything."

Miraculously, I have a decent grade in this class. Maybe somewhere in my subconscious all the information is stored. Whatever it is, I'm thankful for it. My grade is certainly not a reflection of my awareness and focus in class. If my advice means anything to you, do not ever, ever take a 7:30 class.