Dear struggling college student,

So you're halfway through your college career, or maybe your three-quarters of the way done or maybe you just started this past semester.

Regardless, I think we can all come to an agreement that college is a very steep hill that we continue to keep tumbling down for a solid 4 or 5 years- or maybe more (and may I say, props to you if that is you).

The person I was my freshman year compared to the person I am now, is drastically different. And if you know me, you know that is a very, very good thing. I went through some pretty weird seasons, that in the midst of them, they seemed like the world was seemingly coming to an end. Now as a sophomore, I can easily say I am beyond grateful for those life lessons. Because if they were not to happen, I may still be the person I was- which is a scary thought. Yikes.

The lessons I learned my freshman were so vital to me then, but even more vital to me now. Because as a sophomore, I'm facing different seasons and different challenges within those seasons. And I know how to grip them better than I did before.

That doesn't mean I don't still struggle- I struggle just as hard, if not harder. Because another year of college means another level of difficulty. If I can say one thing about college, though, it really is where you find out who exactly you are.

It seems that there is so much pressure that we need to know exactly who we are and what we want the moment we step into college. When in reality, I don't even know what I want for dinner tomorrow night, none the less do I know what I want for the rest of my life.

I've learned to find peace in trusting God's hands on process.

It's still really hard on the daily, and I have to sit down with Him like a friend on the daily and pour my heart out to Him, draw near and hear what he says. Whether we like what He says or not, it's necessary.

You're going to love.

You're going to get your heart broken.

You're going to break hearts.

You're going to be overwhelmed and confused.

You're going to have plenty- and I mean plenty- of mental breakdowns.

But most importantly, you're going to grow.

Yes, it will be challenging. But man, it will be good.

Take who you are now and run. Run straight towards Jesus, your flaws and every other single thing that you carry with you. He wants it. He wants you.

Become content with the person you are now because that is really all you have at the moment. Let Jesus stir your heart in the direction it is supposed to go, and transform you. Find peace that His promises are, instead of creating yourself an anxious heart and filling your head with silly little worries.

I know, it's a lot easier said than done, and I am still and forever will be learning that. But as the good Lord says Himself, "Fear not, for I have overcome the world" -John 16:33.

So don't loose hope. Keep hoping- because hope is much, much stronger than fear.