This one goes out to the college student working their butt off.

There’s a misconception that college is just school. But you’re doing so much more than that. On top of classes and homework, you’ve got a slew of other responsibilities: clubs, sports, your job, your second job your third job, significant others, friends, family, your pet hamster(s).

You’re working about five full-time jobs, managing a 60 hour work week, only getting paid for those actually spent on the clock, and still maintaining something akin to a social life.

Has anyone told you that you’re a badass?

You’re a straight up boss, and you don’t get enough credit for how hard you work.

Sure, you’re falling asleep in your 8:30 a.m. class (in a class about corn, who wouldn’t?). Yeah, you’re so hangry that you snapped at your BFF/roomie, the one person who truly understands and loves you. Maybe you’re just a little bit on the edge most of the time. Maybe you're ready to burst into tears at awkward moments, like in the library, on the way to class, or in front of a professor during office hours.

And that’s not even mentioning the mental struggles you endure every day. Anxiety, depression, mental illness, existential crises, straight up loneliness. Maybe you struggle to make enough money to eat three times a day. Maybe you face hatred or estrangement from others for just being yourself.

You tackle each day with patience and courage. You may think no one notices or cares, but I do. I hear you, and I see you. I think you are an amazing artist, writer, athlete, dancer, teacher, tutor, scientist, musician, actor, coworker, singer, barista, and friend.

Being a college student and everything that encompasses is hard work. I know where you’re at; for the first time in my life, I’m working 40 hour weeks and taking 16 credits. I work seven days a week. Sometimes I feel like curling up in my bed and never leaving. But my family, friends, coworkers, and people like you remind me that I am not alone.

I hope you know that you are not alone, either. You’re shaping the life that you want and pursuing your dreams. You’re working your butt off, but your hard work is not going unnoticed.