After only a week into the second semester, I'm already a little worn out. The rush of being back at school is almost too much to handle, then you get smacked right back into reality after you pay $200 for a textbook and your fingers basically fall off from the frigid temperatures. Yep, class is back in session, and it's time to work through these next few months of sleepless nights and crippling stress. Despite my worries, I know someone will always make me smile: my dog. Allie, my 8-year-old miniature schnauzer, truly embodies some of my feelings towards this semester.

1. When you arrive back at school and are extremely happy to see your friends

Whether I'm gone for two weeks or two hours, I know my dog will be excited to see me. Her excitement is almost exactly how I feel when I see my friends pull into the school parking lot.

2. When you realize you have to put away everything extra you brought back..

Somehow, you always bring back even more clothes, food and random items than what you brought home. My dog's expression when we tell her to do something is incredibly sad but adorable. Me too, Allie.

3. When you try to wake up for your 8 a.m. on the first day

A full schedule of early morning classes? Yep. My dog likes to cover her eyes and push away the world when she doesn't want to get up, so why can't I do it, too?

4. When it's two degrees outside on your walk to class

The winter weather is not so forgiving, and I think my first walk to class was more negative than positive. Allie is extremely small with little-to-no hair, so she absolutely hates the winter and snow. My dog and I have more in common than I thought.

5. When you let a yawn slip in front of the professor

Okay, you have to give me a break on this one. How can you expect me to wake up so early when I have homework to do before the first class? My dog is never one to shy away from a huge yawn.

6. When you realize how much work you already have to do

Syllabus week? More like syllabus half-the-class-period. It seems like the farther I get into my college career, the more homework I have to do even before the class begins.

7. When you have to buy $300 worth of textbooks

The bookstore will completely play you when it comes to purchasing textbooks. Do you need the book? Too bad. You can either pay the bookstore price or search through old copies online. I guess Allie and I will have to wait for my books to come in the mail.

8. When you proudly shout the wrong answer in front of a class of strangers then shrug it off

Yes, my dog may look a little crazy, but her expression truly embodies how I feel on the first day. You want to make a good impression, but you don't want to embarrass yourself to the world's end. The. Struggle.

9. When you miss your family and think of your time at home

My dog misses me when I'm gone (I hope). She gives me puppy-dog eyes with a few whines and cries to make me feel extremely bad about nothing. I think it's time to FaceTime my dog...again.

9. When you just want to hang out with your friends, but they're too tired to do anything....

You're so excited to see everyone, but your friends are tired and exhausted from car rides and plane flights. Maybe tomorrow we can hang out? Dogs always want to play, especially when you just want to relax.

10. but then you're too tired, so you take a nap.

After a long day, you realize all you need is a bed and some shut-eye. Sweet (puppy) dreams!