When I first stepped onto the campus of Union University, I had no clue what to expect. All I remember is that I was excited and nervous. I was excited to meet new people, especially my roommates. Yet, I was also nervous about balancing everything from classes to on-campus organizations to my social life. I was also nervous about the future. I was the freshman that thought as you go into college, you need to already have your 5-year plan ready for after you graduate. I use the term "was" because as a graduating senior, I now have another outlook.

I was the student who felt that as, far as grades were concerned, only A’s were acceptable. I truly felt that anything below an A equaled to me being a failure. I know this is an extreme way of thinking, but this was my mindset. So, as you can imagine, I studied really hard for everything. Nothing was off-limits from actual tests, to weekly quizzes, and even the possibility of a pop quiz; I studied for it all! To be honest, I sometimes would even skip eating breakfast before a test, so that I could have more studying time-or should I say, “cramming time” at that point. Then, I would be very hungry during the actual test, yet I blocked that out because at the time, to me, that test was more important.

This cycle actually came back to haunt me one day during my freshman year. I remember sitting in class at 8 a.m. and trying to listen to the lecture. Well, that day I didn’t feel too good, but I went to class anyway. After class, I felt like I was going to faint. In the end, my blood sugar was very low and I just didn’t feel right. After this, I decided to make a change.

In the next two years, I was doing a lot better with balancing everything. Yet, honestly, the problem this time was that I didn’t know how to say no. So, as you can imagine, along with my classes, I was literally running from meeting to meeting, get-togethers, etc. I was honestly trying to please everyone and just say yes to whatever option they presented to me. This was to the point where I wouldn’t be back in my dorm room until dark. Then, it would hit me: I have homework due the next day!! Don’t get me wrong, I am much better at my time management, but I was still doing too much.

Now, I know you didn’t need tidbits of my whole life story while at Union. But as a soon-to-be graduating senior, I think about how I was as a freshman and how I’ve changed for the better since then (Thank God!). To the students who were just like me when I was a freshman and even other graduating seniors, I wanted to let you know, peer-to-peer, you are going to be alright.

I want you to know that just because you might not do so well on a test doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means you'll try harder next time. Do not stress out over grades to the point that you actually affect your health. Your body doesn’t deserve that type of stress. If you feel like you truly have a lot stuff on your plate, then don’t voluntarily add anything else to it. Learn to make your emotional and mental health a priority on your list and in your life. It will be better for you in the long-run, trust me. Also, there is nothing wrong with making a plan. I would just take it day by day. Despite what most people want to tell you, you do not have to have everything all figured out. Lastly, do your best with your schoolwork. There is nothing wrong with making A’s. I like making an A on an assignment like the next person. I simply mean: do not let your grades define you.

Undergrads, among all the term papers, tests, and stresses over college life, don’t forget to breathe. You are going to be alright in the end.