For several colleges throughout the country, final exams have been taken, and the fall semester is officially over. We’re exhausted, but go sleep it off. Pun intended. The stress was rough, but it didn’t kill us. As a senior, I’ve gone through this a few before. But for freshmen like my younger sister, this was their very first semester at college. I’m almost certain many of you have mixed feelings about the past few months, so I’d like to help calm your nerves.

First of all, this is just your first semester. You ventured into an entirely new world just a few months ago. Don’t expect to have it all together right now. I am living proof that the person you were during your first semester is not the same person you will be in the seventh one, or even that you'll be at the same school.

Grades are important. Absolutely. But your GPA, especially at this point in your college career, does not define you. If your grades slipped this fall, don’t freak out. The spring semester will be coming soon and you’ll be better prepared on how to study as a college student.

I know this is a brand new thing for you, and you’re unsure of how to handle it. Trust me, you’re going to be just fine. I’ve had more than my fair share of bad semesters, and this one topped them all. You have so much to look forward over these next few years, so you shouldn’t waste time thinking about what’s already passed.