Dear Stressed Out Student Worker,

You can do this.

I know your feet ache from standing for your almost nine hour shift. I know that all you want to do is climb into bed. The same bed that is stacked high with books, homework, and everything else you threw on it before running off to work. I know you are tired, hungry and ready to quit. I know the feeling of dread that washed over you when the person you were counting on called out; adding another two hours to your shift.

It will be okay.

I know how hard you fight to keep your eyes open while studying for two tests that determine whether or not you pass your classes. It is 3 a.m. and you feel every moment you worked this week in sore muscles and general aches. You feel the tears welling up because honestly, you would be able to pass this test with an 'A' if you hadn't taken on extra shifts this week. Sometimes needing the extra few dollars hinders your ability to excel in your classes.

You are not alone.

Every moment you work and every time you lose sleep you are becoming stronger. A harder worker, a better student. The days slip by and the semester fades away and you begin to realize that even though you don't have the highest grade, you worked hard for the grades you have.

You are important.

I know that your heart breaks every time your friends go out and you have to say, "Maybe next time." All you want is the college experience, but when you go out all you can think about is the assignment that was due last week (it still isn't finished). Maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to finish everything before they go out next time.

I am proud of you.

I am not going to tell you the typical "one day, you won't have to work so hard," because I don't know if that is a reality. What I can tell you is, live for the sense of pride you feel as you pass the test you were up until 4 a.m. studying. Or the way passing the third audit this semester brings you a mixture of joy and relief all at the same time. Spend an hour or two drinking coffee and laughing with your friends. Yes, college is for learning, but it is also about making bad decisions and memories.

You have accomplished so much.

Your friends, teachers, and your boss might not understand what you are going through, but on the last day of the semester you will realize that it is worth all the stress, blood, and tears. You have shown more adult character than you have before. Time management, phone payments and everything else you had to deal with this semester made you grow.

You are an inspiration to me.