As graduation approaches and my college career comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on what I have learned these last four years, both in the classroom and through outside experiences. I spent my first two years of college doing classes online through Penn State, followed by a transfer to Cleveland State, where I have spent the last two years going to class full-time and also learning to be a mom. Just recently, four months ago, I was hired for my first co-op (internship) position, and it is safe to say that while I loved being a stay-at-home-mom, it just didn’t prepare me with the skills I needed to know upon graduating and finding a real big-girl job. It is safe to say that one of the most beneficial things I have done thus far is interning at a very well-known fortune 500 company in Cleveland, Ohio. I was able to not only enhance my professional skills, but I was able to learn about myself and the real world — something I couldn't ever learn in a classroom or at home with my son.

Here are a few things that my internship has taught me:

1. More about myself

When I first started out as an intern, I had no clue what to expect, and this caused many anxieties. Was I going to be able to handle all the tasks given to me? What if I didn’t know how to complete the tasks? Am I really cut out for the business world? What if I fail? I wanted nothing more than to prove to myself and my family that despite having a son halfway through college, that I could still do it. That I could finish my degree and make them proud, and more importantly, make myself proud. I'm not going to lie, this is the hardest semester yet. I’m more than overwhelmed with school, work, and taking care of a family. It is stressful and it is EXTREMELY time-consuming, most weeknights I don’t get home until after 5 or 6 p.m., leaving me just enough time to give my son a bath and put him to bed—that is the hardest part. I miss time with my son, but I continue to remind myself that finishing my degree will benefit us in so many ways.

This internship hasn’t been "running errands" or "making coffee runs." This is real work—sure, my life would be easier if I wasn’t taking 18 credit hours, or working 20 hours a week, or being a mom. But that's something I learned about myself: I'm not a quitter. Quitting has never been an option. I’m known to constantly put too much on my plate and sometimes this causes conflict, but I strive for success, and that is exactly what I’m going to do — be successful.

2. How to work with others

Teamwork is a vital part of any job and also for the success of any company because it allows us to work together towards common goals. The benefits of working with other people outweigh working alone — why, you ask? Because not only are your peers there for support, but the feedback from different perspectives are what form a well-rounded employee, able to take criticism and gain insight.

3. Communication is crucial

Communication is very important at any job or in any relationship. We need to be able to effectively talk to not only our boss and coworkers but also potential customers and clients if our field of study involves external business. It's important to represent our company well at all times.

Conflicts arise at times in the workplace, at home — in any setting, really. Although it would be really cool if we were all mind readers, but, unfortunately, that is unrealistic. As human beings, we need clarification during times of conflict, and in a work environment while working with others. Bottom line, if communication lacks, we aren’t getting our work done effectively. Never assume, always ask for clarification, or even help when needed, that is what supervisors, bosses, and managers are for!

4. Never give up

Never quit. Push yourself to be great, even when your workload is piling and you're stressed because you have a final or you’re way behind in "American Horror Story ." The real world isn't easy, and if it was, we would all have jobs and be working our dream jobs right out of college. Those things take time, patience, and perseverance. Hold yourself to high standards and make it your goal to give everything your best. Hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Throughout the rest of our lives, we will be working and learning as we go, the learning will never stop, there will always be room for improvement.

5. College is nothing more than an experience and a piece of paper

Let’s be honest — how many of you can honestly say that more than five classes have GENUINELY prepared you for a job in the real world after graduation? College has taught me absolutely nothing except that I am capable of committing myself to something and following through with that commitment. The classes I have taken throughout my college career have done anything but prepare me for the real world or a workplace. I'm a creative writing major, please tell me what Algebra, History of Rock 'n' Roll, or anthropology has taught me relevant to my career choice? While I have enjoyed some of these classes, they really have done no more than help rack up over $40,000 dollars in student loan debt.

Our GPA's and major choice does not and will not define who we are, or what we are capable of. BUT, nonetheless, it is important to get a degree, so do it, and find an internship, too.