To the First Semester Of my Sophomore Year Of College,

It's winter break and I am SOOO glad you are over. I went back to school after a well-deserved summer break. Freshman year was filled with so much - new school, new friends, more intense classes and a triumphant feeling of finally being in college. It was fun, and I enjoyed my new freedom so much that I couldn't wait to go back after months of being home.

However, coming back to you wasn't what I expected.

I expected sophomore year to be a breeze. I'd already been in college for a year: I knew what to expect, I had friends to go back to, etc. You were much more than I anticipated.

I found myself struggling to keep up in my studies...all semester. I don't know if it was the long break or the overestimated confidence, but this last semester was so difficult.

I got through it, though.

As I'm here enjoying my winter break and waiting for grades to be posted, though, I can't help but think back on the last few months and be thankful.

I'm thankful that this semester was so challenging because it made me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing. It helped me remember that if earning a degree was easy, everyone would be doing it. It helped me remember the effort I need to bring in everything I do, but especially my academics.

So thank you, sophomore slump, for being such a stress-inducing, difficult, misunderstood mess. You made me realize how to tackle next semester and the rest that follow - with all the dedication it takes.

I promise you, though, that you've already come to an end. I won't miss you a bit.