Your winter break is coming to an end or has already ended. You have been able to spend quality time with friends and family back home, bring in some more cash through work and have given your brain time to relax. As you approach the next 16 weeks, you being to realize what lies ahead; fresh classes, a new routine, different professors and unfamiliar classmates. All that has taken place in fall semester is finally behind us. Yes, our GPA’s reflect upon those times but we all have come across a blank page in this story we all call ‘College’. Take advantage of this time, this is your moment to make a difference; take part in that club you have been dying to join, change up your study habits that you know have not been affective or add in that minor you have been anxious to declare. These times don’t come along very often, grab ahold of them and run while you can!

Being thrown into a new class schedule can be intimidating and stressful. Take each day one at a time! Do what you can to figure out what study habits need to be formed for each particular class, map out how much time will be spent on homework and do what you can to make each class as efficient and fun as possible. We all have certain classes that we don’t care for due to various reasons. Don’t let that hold you back from doing well. Personally, I have experienced this as a student and it brought me down both mentally and GPA wise. Do what you can to make the most of every class. Whether you like them all or not, they are needed for your major and future career so why not take away all that you can from each and every one of them?

Take advantage of making connections whenever the chance is given! Last semester, I had to retake a major specific course. At the beginning, I was frustrated knowing I was stuck retaking it, but looking back, I found it being more of a blessing then anything. Within last semester, I formed relationships with head professors, tutors, and Ph Students who have all granted me with great opportunities, advice, and life skills that will carry with me forever. Gaining the chance to shadow at a Philadelphia Cancer Institute this upcoming semester as well as helping out with a research project, I am happy to say I made the most out of my semester retaking a class. Not only to I receive a passing grade, I am grateful to have come across such incredible individuals that I have formed long lasting relationships with. It is never too early to make connections!!

Don’t forget to have fun! It doesn’t matter what semester you are in, having fun is part of everyone’s college experience too. Whether that entails attending a basketball game, going out with friends on the weekend or grabbing a coffee and enjoying a great book, making time for yourself is always key in college. As it may seem hard to find that time, do what you can to plan it into your schedule. Even if it is only for an hour each day, giving your brain time to rekindle and de-stress is needed.

Compared to Fall semester in which we all countdown until winter break, Spring Semester’s countdown leads right into Summer! No matter what you are feeling right now when thinking about the next 16-weeks, remember this; work hard, stay humble, hustle hard and finish strong! You have what it takes to kick a** this upcoming semester, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Best of luck this spring, YOU CAN DO THIS!