So you’ve made the decision to take a semester off. Whatever the reason — you couldn’t pay off this semester, you’re starting to have second doubts about whether this school is the right one for you, or you just needed a break — it’s valid and the hard part is over.

I know it’s daunting. Many of your family members and friends might have told you to stick it out. That taking a semester might set you back on when you'd graduate. You might even be panicking about what you would even do with this time off.

Breathe.

Cry your eyes out if you feel you need to, but then center yourself.

It's not the end of the world. You are not a failure.

I've been where you've been. I took a semester off before I transferred schools because it was my only option then. I know very intimately the feelings of unending worry and crippling fear.

There were days when I would avoid Facebook and Instagram in the hopes avoiding a spiral of loneliness that came from seeing my friends jet setting off to another country or going to parties with people I didn't know. But there would be the days, right after, when the temptation was too great and I would give in and the sadistic cycle would start all over.

If that's what you're feeling now, it's okay.

Just know that what your friends and family post on social media aren't their actual lives. It's just a still moment, probably edited out a dozen times, in different positions to get the most likes. As if Likes are the equivalent of a successful well-lived life.

Our society seems to think that there are several important milestones everyone has to accomplish to have a good life: college, marriage, and children. And that it should all happen in your twenties. Absolutely not true.

As you go out and explore the world, you're going to meet people of all ages that have probably only accomplished one of those milestones or not at all.

Don't define yourself by other people's standards. It's your own path and you get to decide where you go and when you'll get there. No one else. So square your shoulders and lift your chin and be proud of the decision you've made.

And take full advantage of this opportunity. Go to places you’ve always wanted to go but pulled off for another time. Make friends with the nice-looking barista at your local coffee shop. Take up a hobby or learn a new language. Whatever it is, you have five months to yourself and instead of worrying about being left behind by your peers, do something productive with that time and I promise you’ll be okay.