It’s only human of us to get stressed out by school from time to time—for some people, a lot of the time—but don’t turn that stress into hatred or resentment for your professors or your school. We are incredibly lucky to be learning new things everyday: about the past, of how to speak different languages, about science and literature and more. How cool is that!? Not everyone is so fortunate. We should appreciate our education, even when it’s hard.

Yes, when we are assigned two papers, a project, dense reading, and math problems all at once, school can seem like more trouble than it’s worth. The fear of not being able to complete our assignments either to the best of our abilities, or at all, oftentimes clouds our minds until we spend so much time worrying about not finishing, that we waste the time we could have been working. Coming to that realization only stresses us out more, until we are trapped in an interminable cycle of doom and gloom, feeling like dropping out of school would be preferable. When this happens, and you are so deep in your personal ocean of homework that you can't tell which way is up, remember to reflect and to breathe.

Reflect on why your education matters to you. What are you getting out of the classes you are taking? Are you powering through those challenging organic chemistry problems to prepare for a future career in the sciences? Good, keep going. Are you scrutinizing every sentence in Homer's Iliad because you see a future in the humanities? You’ll be wiser for it. It all matters, even when it seems like it doesn’t. Learning is bettering you as a human being, so never give up. Plus, haven’t you heard? Intelligence is attractive.

Trying your absolute best is all you can do, so if you receive a lower grade than wished for, do not think you are “stupid” or “not good enough,” because you would be lying to yourself. Instead, understand what was done wrong and learn from your mistakes.

Breathe and allow yourself some “you” time (or “you” time with your best friends). Go for a quick drive with music blasting. Take a trip to the closest coffee shop and order your favorite drink to boost your energy. Read for pleasure. Go for a run. Have some fun! If your definition of fun is watching Netflix in your pajamas, do that as a study break. Relax. A thirty minute break will not be your downfall.

We won’t be in high school or college forever. Each speeds by faster than we can imagine. Take advantage of the opportunities given to you to learn about things outside of your usual field—as well as those within it—while you still can!

You're a rock star! Never forget it!