In education, the one thing we know how to measure best is our ability to learn quickly and easily. Our quarters/semesters are jam-packed with tons of new information that we’re expected to regurgitate by the final exam. For college students especially, life changes are happening all at once and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Since our brains are like sifts, we don’t take everything in at once. This is why students are so hard on themselves when they aren’t above average, when their scores don’t reflect their hard work, and when they realize they aren’t naturally smart.

But, here’s the thing: having a high IQ is not what’s going to get you to your end goal. It’s grit. Grit is sticking with your goals no matter what. It’s an effort that extends not just for the day, not just for the week, but for years. This passion and perseverance is what is going to make your future goals a reality. So it all comes down to how much you want it. Do not let your fear of failure convince you that having failures ruins your life. Rather, look at your failures as disappointments--disappointments that, more importantly, produce hope. Essentially, we have to be willing to fail in order to start over again stronger and grittier. Maybe you need that 2.5 to light a fire under your booty. Maybe you need that petty 3.9 to know to go the extra mile next time. Maybe you need that 4.0 to realize what study habits work for YOU. It’s all about reflecting on yourself and refraining from comparing because we are all different. We all have our own learning styles. What may work for someone else may not work for you. You’ve heard this before, I know. But this is just a reminder that if your classmate gets that A+ and you don’t, it’s not the end of the world. Walk out of those doors knowing what you’re going to do differently next time, and go get yourself a damn double scoop on a waffle cone.

The beauty of the quarter/semester system is that you get a fresh start every couple months. This gives you the opportunity to get back up and redeem yourself. You’ve got to live your life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And with perseverance, you will surely succeed at your own pace. So to all the students who feel discouraged, exhausted, or fearful of the storm that is coming your way (finals week), remember to stick it out day in and day out. Your mindset is everything. Yes, you are much bigger than the exam in front of you and yes, it COULD potentially ruin your GPA. But, it won’t ruin your life or your capability to achieve your long-term goals because you will keep trying. Succeeding is all about stamina. And with those exams approaching, you must be willing to make it to the finish line.