I was having a conversation with someone my mom works with regarding my college experience and my studies. At some point, while discussing challenging classes, she mentioned how smart I must have been in order to get such good grades. I casually replied that I'm not naturally smart; I have just discovered that things take me longer than they do others, and I have found methods of studying that help me learn in the way that I need to.

I think her jaw almost touched the floor.

She told me how her daughter is the same way, someone who seems to be working ten times harder for grades that others earn effortlessly. But, like me, her daughter works hard to not only do well but also to hide how hard she is actually working.

It made me realize something.

All the people that act like they aren't stressed out or act like they are naturally great learners should just stop pretending. Imagine how much better it would be if we were all honest with each other about our problems and worked together to help, rather than compete to see who can do the best while acting like they care the least.

It's not going to be easy. I feel like I have had competitiveness running in my blood for over a decade. I think a system that ranks children based on grades and rewards based on rank invites competition. But it wasn't until college that I realized collaboration and honesty are truly life- (and grade-) changing aspects of the educational experience.

So I'll be the first to say it.

In middle school, I was behind in math and watched as my friends left me and my other classmates behind to take a higher-level math. It took a long time and very hard work to be able to get to the group of children that were advanced. When I got there, I acted like it was all a breeze while working for hours on my own at home.

Through high school, there were times when I was frustrated beyond belief because I was functioning at a level much higher than I probably should have been. After having to drop AP Physics, it was challenging to continue to push myself so hard. Now, it feels like every failure is a personal reminder that I don't belong where I am.

But I am confident in myself enough to admit that. I am confident that many of my peers that I look up to for inspiration have days that they feel that exact same way, even though they may not talk about it.

I think the truth is that we are all pretending to be the same in one way when we are really all the same in another. So, as finals week comes up and teachers are cramming those last few assignments in, remember that you are not the only person feeling the way you are feeling.

If you meet someone who needs a pick-me-up, avoid saying, "don't worry about it" or "it will get better." Try saying, "I understand how you feel. I feel that way, too." Let's validate each other rather than encourage them to feel differently.