If you're a college student, you've either recently finished or are finishing up the fall semester. And if you're like me, you're sitting in front of your grade report asking yourself, "What on earth just happened? How can my GPA possibly recover?".

Maybe you partied too hard, watched too much Netflix, struggled with health issues, or dealt with family problems. Maybe your motivation lacked and you simply couldn't figure life out. It happens to all of us.

You might be discouraged and ready to quit school altogether, or challenged to beat your own score next time around. No matter what boat you're in, keep in mind: the past is over.

You can't change the past, no matter how hard you may wish. What's done is done. Focusing on what could or should have been will only waste your energy in the present moment. It's okay to figure out what went wrong and make a plan to move on, but then actually move on.

If you made poor decisions, ask for help to up your self-discipline and set a goal to do better next semester. If that means not failing a class or only getting one "C", great! You can move on from bad habits.

If you feel like life threw a tornado at you, recognize that you probably need to love yourself and process what you've been through. It's okay to not be okay for a bit! Ask for help to manage what's on your plate and set goals to better manage your energy and time next semester.

It's easy to sit down, criticize your every move, analyze all the things you did wrong, and wallow in self pity.... please don't. It won't help.

What's done is done. Take advantage of upcoming opportunities, surround yourself with help, do some planning and organizing, and then do the best you can!

Besides, your life won't be solely defined by your grades (even if you're a science or math major). You will be fine!