College is hard. Not only just studying and getting your degree, but nowadays paying for college is usually more difficult than college itself. We're all broke, we're all struggling, we're all in this together. Here are some thoughts I think we all have about staying in school:
1. Some days we're confident in what we're doing, but others, we aren't.
As a musical theatre major this past year taking out quite a lot in loans, I had very mixed feelings about what I was deciding to do. I was pursuing a field I was confident in, but at the same time, the financial stress was so excessive that I wouldn't be able to enjoy what I was doing nearly as much.
2. You have a hard time paying your bills, but have an easy time going to Starbucks.
It's a necessity in college. Especially when the campus barista knows you by name... yup.
3. "Is this even what I want to do?"
I'm 19 years old, and I do not feel as though I am old enough to be making decisions that will impact me every day for the rest of my life. I do not feel as though I'm experienced enough to decide what career I want to pursue or what job I want to do for years to come. I do not feel as though I should be studying in a library every night for four years instead of experiencing life, cultures, people, and the world around me. 
4. "Other people don't have it like I do."
The easiest thing sometimes to make yourself feel better is to tell yourself that nobody understands. Sometimes, it makes you feel tougher to think that you're going through worse things than somebody else is. The solution to this, though, is to realize that somebody will always have it better, but somebody else will always have it worse.
5. It's difficult sometimes to realize what is actually working in your favor.
When we're drowning in tuition payments and homework, it's hard to appreciate. Being humble is such an important characteristic, but it's hard to remember to act with humility in tough times. It's hard to mentally separate yourself from your problems.
6. You've learned that black coffee can save your life.
From studying all night to waking up for your 8 a.m., coffee is always there for you.
7. Through all the struggles, you have become tough.
One of the most important qualities, I think, is to fight. Fighting for what you want, what you believe in, and what you think is the right path for you.
8. "Maybe I'll just be a stripper instead."
Strangely enough, it's a comforting thought sometimes.
9. You forget to eat almost every day.
Between going to class, going to work, studying, and participating around campus, eating is something that is often put on the back burner. Then you remember how much you love to eat and scold yourself.
10. Waking up for an 8 a.m. is hell. Literally.
Just don't. Ever.
11. Even though you're struggling and go drinking multiple times in the same weekend, you know what's best for your future and college career...
....or do you?
