To all the graduate students starting school this semester for their first time,

I am one of you. I am excited but so super nervous for this next chapter of my life. Reading all of my syllabi made me very hesitant, but I cannot let that stop me from pursuing my dream.

What are your emotions? Are you excited? Are you nervous? Are you regretting your decision? I'm joking, but it must feel like that. All of these negative emotions want to control you and discourage you from this journey. Don't let it happen.

Positive thoughts help me in the long run, so it should help you, too. You need to stand tall and walk into those classrooms confidently. Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

Graduate school is slightly more challenging than undergrad, but that's okay. You are able to handle the worst workload and the hardest equations. You are able to manage your time while working or doing other activities. Everything will work out in your favor.

I start classes this Tuesday. Needless to say, my heart keeps skipping beats and I keep freaking out and losing my breath over the "what ifs". I can't worry about that right now, and neither should you. Think of it as a clean slate; you're starting over again and your mind is an open book when it comes to all of this new information.

Did I mention the worst workload? Yeah, there are tons of papers and very specific things you need to complete in order to pass your classes, but tackle it the same way you would when you were an undergraduate student. Some professors are different and they may have different rules or grading systems. Learn that from the get-go and stick to it. Keep it in mind as you complete your assignments.

Most importantly, never ever give up. After all, you have gotten this far. You have a Bachelor's degree already, so what's two more years for a Master's? Nothing, but it means everything to you. You committed to this when you applied, so why give up, ever?

When I was in undergrad, I had many emotional moments where I thought this would never end. I would never graduate, and I would never do anything right. Here I am, four years later with a teaching certification and two Bachelor's degrees. If you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain that comes along before it.

To add to all of this, know your worth throughout this journey, and you will succeed. Be yourself and try your hardest. Know what you are capable of, which is anything.

You will graduate. Let's get this done, for us, for our futures!

Good luck and have fun!