It's the time of year when libraries are packed out, no one's getting more than 3 hours of sleep, and Starbucks has a line wrapping around the building. You've guessed it, the beloved finals week. Like the majority of college students, I have my fair amount of stress around this time of year as the never ending workload piles up to my shoulders. However, I'm here to tell you - relax.

Coming into college, my parents told me that they'd rather see me with 'B's' and a healthy social life compared to a 4.0 and no friends. So even though I definitely work hard for my grades, I've come to understand how healthy and important it is to make time to enjoy the company of others.

So this week when a friend asks you to a lunch date, don't think about it, just say yes. Years down the road you're not going to remember anything about the final, but you are going to remember the bonds you built and the inside jokes made on the get together. College doesn't last. Soon we're all going to be in the 'real world' with demanding jobs and busy work hours. So I challenge you to soak in the joy of college while you can, I promise it's worth it. Even if you really (really) can't slip away for a few hours, invite your friends to come study with you. While getting good grades provides temporary happiness, meaningful friendships are what life is all about.

So remember, your grades do not define who you are as a person. Your grades cannot tell me the joy you find in nature, what makes you smile at 3 am, or how loved you are by your family. Remember to find joy in the process of learning, not the final outcome.

"I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun." - Charles R. Swindoll