If you've gone to Eastern Michigan University, or even if you haven't and have seen EMU's billboards off the highway, you would probably recognize the phrase "Don't just get your degree, earn it." Most people have a general idea of what that means; such as putting in effort to understand what you're being taught; and that is absolutely correct. A lot of students, though, worry that they may not be working hard enough; maybe stress and overthinking is leading you to second guess yourself. You should be relieved to know that you're not alone. I hope I'm able to reassure you that you truly are "earning it."

To the education and teaching majors reviewing subjects over and over to understand the material like the back of your hand so that you can pass that knowledge on to young, fresh minds, and teaching them how powerful knowledge truly is; you've earned it.

To the nursing and healthcare majors finding themselves in the library past 1 a.m., five chapters deep in a a biology textbook knowing that you're going to use this information to save countless lives in the future; you've earned it.

To the engineering majors spending hours on a project, perfecting the smallest details such as the tightness of a small screw, while keeping in mind that one day you're going to change the way we all live; you've earned it.

To the aviation majors putting in all the time and money you have toward flight time because all those hours in the sky add up quickly, and eventually, land you a career at heights unimaginable; you've earned it.

To the business majors studying hundreds of strategies and business techniques to prepare yourself to become a leader in any organization or culture you find yourself in, because you'll be in charge of the world's most successful companies; you've earned it.

To the art and film majors losing sleep because your creative minds keep going 24/7, coming up with the best ideas for your masterpieces, patiently waiting for the day that you will have the world awe-struck; you've earned it.

To the political science majors spending any time available studying to understand our history and laws, learning right from wrong, and knowing that communities are going to put their trust in you to lead them to a better tomorrow; you've earned it.

With all the majors to choose from, this list could go on for pages. I'm hoping, that by now, you can see the point I'm trying to make. You know you're earning your degree the moment you realize that you've put the rest of your life on hold to completely understand the subject matter you're most passionate about to not only change your life for the better, but all of the lives around you.

If you still don't take anything away from this article, at least try to keep this in mind; the next time you put the finishing touches on a project, the next time you ace an exam you were afraid that you would fail, the next time you help a classmate understand a difficult problem, or any other small successes you achieve over time, remember, you've earned it.