If you had told me when I applied to Penn State my senior year of high school that I would be receiving a college education remotely whilst in the middle of a global pandemic, I most likely would've laughed and walked away from you. I know it's cliche to say, but it's mind-blowing to think how much has changed this past year. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be spending my first college semester attending classes through Zoom and spending a majority of my time stuck at home.

With finals approaching next week, I feel unprepared, and I feel as though the education that I'm receiving for is not up to par to the amount I'm paying. And this is not a blame game type of situation. I believe that all of my professors and the University are doing their best to provide all of their students with the quality of a Penn State education. However, this semester has taken a mental and emotional toll on students across the nation. I was excited to finally be in college, but that feeling has taken a complete 180.

Students, myself included, have found it to be especially difficult to stay motivated this semester. Personally, a big factor of my motivation to completing my assignments and staying on track was seeing my competition in person. In high school, I was always made sure to double-check all of my assignments and to be prepared for every class just to be sure that I wouldn't be at the bottom of my class. While it was all still challenging and exhausting, it doesn't compare to my experience now. I completely lack the motivation to put any effort into any of my assignments. Everything feels like a chore, and its mentally draining.

However, I'm optimistic that next semester I will know what to expect, concerning the overall structure, and that I will hopefully manage my time and priorities better. If you feel like you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to your loved ones. It's tough being a student during these times. Make sure you practice self-care and prioritize your mental health.