It could happen for numerous reasons. Maybe there was a class or two that you just couldn't understand no matter how hard you tried. People party in college – maybe you got caught up in that a lot and pushed school to the side. There's a possibility that you had a lot going on that took a toll on your mental health.

Whatever the case might be, you're faced with the truth: last semester did not end in your favor.

I know what I'm about to say is easier said than done, but don't freak out.

My first semester of college, I didn't apply myself the way I should have. I had some personal stuff going on that I tried to avoid by spending too much time watching Netflix. I ended up finishing off that semester with two failed classes I had to retake the next semester. You know where else that put me? On academic probation.

I remember being in the car coming back from Christmas shopping when I found out about my current academic state. I started losing it and my brother had to calm me down. This wasn't me. I wasn't the type of person to blow classes off and push them aside. Granted, I'd never been a straight-A student, but I always made it a point to get average grades.

Being on academic probation required me to take a class that aimed to help students in this situation. It taught us study skills, they made us do study hours every week, and on top of that I had to meet with a success coach once a month to check in with classes.

At first, I felt defeated. I was angry with myself for not studying as much as I should have and skipping my 8 AM class. I dug my own grave and I now had to pay the consequences for it.

On the other hand, though, I knew that I could get out of it. So I bought a planner and actually used it. I utilized the study hours like I was supposed to. I retook one of the classes that I had to. I visited with my success coach and at the end of the semester I pulled myself out of the hole. I passed all of my classes with maybe one C in the mix. I was off of academic probation.

I know right now it can be really frustrating, and you're probably angry at yourself. Obviously, your parents aren't going to be the happiest with you either. Kicking old habits and trying to apply better study practices – especially to classes you genuinely don't care about – can be hard. It's not impossible, though.

Switch your perspective. Instead of beating yourself up because of your current situation, think about where you're going to be. Think about how you can do better and do better. Don't let a rough semester ruin your college career all together. It's possible to bounce back no matter the circumstances.

Good luck this semester. I have no doubt in my mind that you're going to kill it!