In high school, one thing I always tried to remind myself of was not to push things off until the last minute. At times, this constant reminder worked; other times it didn't. Of course I had the entire year to persuade teachers to give me another chance, but college was a whole different story.

In college I found out that the last minute was too late; simply because there are 1,000 other things that you've probably waited until the last minute to do. For example, finding housing, making tuition payments on time, finding internships, research positions, studying for finals, convincing yourself you need a job, finding new friends, getting involved with your campus, etc.. After a while everything becomes overwhelming and the last thing you remember to do is become concerned with your grades.

I will openly admit that I have failed a class or two throughout my entire time at Temple University. I remember the day I went to my academic adviser to discuss this issue, ashamed and disappointed and on the verge of bursting into tears. At the very same moment she went to print out my graduation plan, I heard another student nonchalantly telling her adviser that she was failing another class and planned to take it again the following semester. Her adviser said, "That's great."

I was lost and confused. I completely persuaded myself that I wouldn't be able to take the class another time, that my adviser was going to tell me that I'd have to leave Temple, that I was in deep shit. I thought that since I had failed one class, in one semester, college wasn't for me and I should probably find another way to pass my time. But I was wrong.

Although I found a moment of relief from another room, I had to break the news to my parents. To my surprise they were not as heartbroken and disappointed as I had imagined they would be. They both asked about my plan B and I gave it to them. I guess they were happy with the fact that I was able to put aside the fact that I messed up and create a Plan B and be responsible.

I guess that's the difference between college and high school. If you mess up in high school, you'll just find another class to replace it or take summer school. In college, you'll just pay for your mistakes, literally. And of course, you might delay you graduation date, but it's normal. I talked to a few of my upperclassmen friends about grades and failing, and they went about it in such a great way. I learned all the ways to cheat the system and make sure I maintain a spot here at the university, even if it meant changing my major for a semester.

But one of the most important words of wisdom I got was, "Don't punish yourself when life gets hard. Just push through it all, own your mistakes and move on." That was probably the moment I realized that I was becoming an adult. I knew that I would fail in many more ways than one, but I also knew that it was a part of becoming an independent young adult. Not everyone will come forward and say, "Yeah, I failed this and that class," or that they've spent more years in college than others, but they will tell you that they've overcome their trials and obstacles to be where they are now.

So I guess the message of all this is: don't beat yourself up when things don't go as planned. Always make sure you have a few back up plans, just in case life does get hard. When life gets hard and you think you can't continue in college, be open with your counselors and advisers. There are so many options for you other than dropping out.

Most of all, make sure you have a strong support system, whether that consist of friends, family, pets, religion, etc.. It all has gotten me through college and believe me, it still isn't easy, but it's worth it. Take your time and believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to be yourself, even if you are a perfectionist or an introvert .

It's OK to say you've messed up and it's only human to make many mistakes. Just make sure you handle all your troubles gracefully and never give up. The only difference between your dreams and your reality is action. So take it and inspire someone else who has been in your position and let them know that it will be OK.