I have dreamed of being in the medical field since I was a little girl. I remember watching medical dramas on television with my mom and wanting to be a doctor or a nurse someday. Now that I am 20 years old and at a university, I am on a stepping stone to achieve my dreams.

I have taken 18+ credit hour semesters for almost three years straight, preparing myself for nursing school and not taking any breaks while finishing my Bachelor's degree at East Carolina University.

Tonight, while sitting in my Anatomy class I heard a girl behind me say. "I don't know why people waste their time going to universities, they end up with crap jobs and in debt anyway." This broke my heart. She then goes to say "All you are paying for is a piece of paper."

It inspired my article because to me, I don't think anything can top the feeling of learning something new and being able to share it with the world through your profession. A degree is a symbol of learning and hard work whether it's a 2 year or 4-year degree.

I don't spend hours upon hours learning about the human mind or a new language just to hang a piece of paper in a pretty frame on my wall. Learning to me is a gateway to helping others. That is the drive behind me crawling out of bed at 6 a.m. to be prepared for my 8 a.m.

The same drive that pushes me when I take six classes at a time or get so overwhelmed that sometimes I question why it's even worth it. I go to school to make myself a better person. Then, in turn, the better version of me can turn around and help better someone else.

So what if I end up with student loans? So what if I take 5 years instead of 4? So what if I don't start until I've started a family? None of these things matter, not for that "piece of paper." What matters is that you want something out of yourself and your life, there is nothing wrong with that.

If you are struggling getting through your semester, or unsure of whether or not your degree, certificate or diploma is worth it, keep going. Don't doubt yourself. Learning about the world is such a beautiful capability that us humans have and we should take every single advantage of it.

Whether you're at a community college or a university, an online student or in an apartment, whether you're in debt or on a scholarship you should be so proud of yourself for getting something out of your life. Be proud of your ambition. Be proud of your drive and dedication.

Push through the hard nights and if you ever feel like giving up? Think back to the little girl or boy who dreamed of what you wanted to be when you grew up. Go out and make that version of you proud.

I am proud of you. Because you are doing the damn thing.