I used to be good at school.

In elementary school, I was awarded "Terrific Kid." I was always on the Honor Roll, selected for assemblies, and friends with the staff.

In junior high and high school, I was mad if I even made a B, dated the senior class president, and graduated in the top percent.

Right now, as a college student, I've been struggling with my grades. I've had a feeling in the pit of my stomach about passing my math class and this is determined by my final exam grade, which I find out in a few days.

I've been yearning for someone to tell me that they understand this feeling. therefore, I'm here to tell you if you need to hear this.

College is hard and there are so many professors that don't care about you. Until this point, you may have had some teachers that you think are unfair or mean.

However, this is a different ball game completely and it is difficult to grasp. It leaves a feeling that you haven't experienced before---a sense of loneliness in your classroom experience.

It's up to you and not legality that keeps you in class. It's up to you to pass and your professor will not help you unless you reach out with the force of a thousand suns, if then. It's up to you to get and keep a job or jobs, to pass your classes, to maintain a relationship, to become an adult. It's not easy, and you will fail.

I have a feeling of emptiness about this. I don't know if I'm going to fail this class. I don't know if all my work in this class is going to mean anything. I don't know if my parents are going to want or be able to financially support me if I lose my scholarship. The list goes on and on.

College is a hard time. You have to understand that you are bound to fail something. It will hurt and you will feel empty and embarrassed. You'll be told that failure will lead to success and you know that's true, but it still hurts.

Prepare yourself for this. Know that you aren't the only one to feel this and that you'll get through it. Just keep going.

That's all you can do.