I'm trying my best. Sometimes, though, it isn't enough. Sometimes, I falter, fail and fall. Sometimes I forget my reasoning for doing this, for leaving home, for wanting to pursue an education. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth it. Those times when tests come back with letters below an A or group projects become a one man show. Let's not forget when you're sick of walking through the wind, the snow, and the rain. Or when you're starving but the freshman fifteen is a real thing, and doesn't stop just because you're now a sophomore. Response writes, major papers, quizzes and tests, projects and presentations, online forums and book questions, all coming from professors who think their class is your only class. When it all piles up, I wonder why I even bother.

But deep inside, buried beneath the stress, anxiety, and hunger, is why I bother.

The first being society's definition of success. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we live in a society that judges one based on their skills, their knowledge, their career. If I don't go to school, I don't meet a set of standards put in place by the society which I'm trying to thrive within. That's not to say that those who don't go to school will not thrive. I just know that for me to thrive and live the kind of life that I dream of, an education is a must.

"Knowledge is power" is one of my favorite quotes, and it rings true for me. I love learning new things. In fact, I like watching the news simply to learn. I like game shows because it teaches you how others think. The smarter you are, the less you have to work. Another of my favorite quotes: "work smarter, not harder". If you have the knowledge to make life easier, why not apply that? My secondary education gives me the knowledge in the areas that I'm studying but also in areas that apply in all sorts of situations.

Let's not forget that school is fun outside of school. I love all of the opportunities that being at college gives me. Organizations and clubs to explore, people to meet, parties to attend. The experience gained comes just as much outside the classroom as it does within.

Plus Parents are Good Motivators. My number one goal in life is to never disappoint my parents, to make them proud. My parents have always pushed for me to excel in school, to take my education seriously. If i get anything below an A, comments are made. Nothing hurtful, just things said which motivate me to work harder on my studies. They're guidance pushes me on.

Lastly, I've never been a quitter. It's just the way I grew up. I've committed myself to continuing my education. I won't quit just because it's stressful. That's just not my style.

I may complain. I may say I can't do it. My stomach may growl. My jeans may be plastered to my legs. But I'll continue trekking through the rain to classes that really test my time management skills. I'll continue to slightly monitor my eating habits and convince myself to attend the gym as much as I can. I'll graduate in a couple years and I'll be thankful I pushed on. Today, I may falter, fail, and fall. But tomorrow, I may just find a new rhythm, succeed, and fly.