If you're anywhere between the ages of 16 and 22, this next month is quite possibly the most stressful time of the year for you. There's only about one month left of classes, give or take a few days, and the luxury period of waiting around to get started on final projects has just about run out. Finals are no longer a distant thought — they're now a frightening reality. Add to that the stress of trying to figure out a job for the summer on top of working out where and who you're rooming with next semester, or worse yet, graduating, and these next few weeks cease to be the lighthearted and airy first rites of spring, instead devolving into a series of anxious, nail-biting class sessions and panic-stricken weekends.

You've more than likely just had enough of school at this point. All you want to do is go home. All you want is to let the summer begin. I would know — I've been there plenty of times before — and odds are, so have you.

So, as someone who speaks from experience to people who have shared those same experiences — let me say this to you:

Push on! You've got this! This is not the end for you, no matter how bleak things may seem right now! The past two semesters have worn you down, but the last round of classes are in sight. For your sake, for the sake of your fellow classmates — stay strong. We all grow stronger from each other's positivity, so don't quit now!

Alright, that's enough of my sappy and inspirational sayings. So instead, I'm gonna treat you to other people's sappy and inspirational quotes! If you don't feel like listening to me, listen to these five legendary writers — they've certainly had it worse than any of us, and they still turned out alright. If they could push through and make it, so can we!

Steven Chbosky, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"

William Shakespeare, "Henry V"

Corrie Ten Boom, "The Hiding Place"

This has been five encouraging quotes from five of the most important writers in my life. I hope their words have helped to encourage you a little, as they have always helped me. Stay strong, my friends, and here's a bonus — possibly the most rousing war speech I have ever heard. The incomparable J.R.R. Tolkien and Viggo Mortensen, ladies and gentlemen.

It is not this day, my friends. Signing out.