Every college student understands the fear (and stress) of getting final grades at the end of each semester. Some professors especially like to not update the grades at all during the several months you’re in their class. If the class is exceptionally hard, then the stress might be even worse.

I almost had that happen this summer. I took a math class in order to fulfill one of my core requirements. (Why I decided on math, I’m not sure) Let me precursor by saying that I am not a math or science person. I can do it, but my brain honestly isn’t wired for it anymore. I certainly prefer my humanities (writing, English, etc) because it simply makes more sense to me, probably because I have been doing it for so long.

Now, I didn’t do bad in the beginning. Some of the information came back to me fairly quickly, but it was still a struggle. Taking two other classes – three classes if you also count Term A – and working two jobs at the same time was probably not the best idea I’ve ever had. But when you’re trying to graduate, you’re simply trying to graduate. Maybe desperately, depending on how long you’ve been in school. I’ve been going to school for back to back semesters since I transferred for my sophomore year. I had to take summer classes if I didn’t want to stay an extra year – which I don’t.

I certainly have no issues with staying in college longer than four years, especially since that is what works best for some people. But let me tell you I have never been more scared of that extra semester/year in my entire life than I was this summer. I continually struggled, despite the fact I was doing all of my work and taking my time with it too. I just couldn’t understand why or how I was doing so poorly. My grade continually declined, and my stress grew higher. I’ve pretty much always been an A/B student, so I never really struggled with my classes. It was so difficult for me to admit that I had all these issues with a class.

When the time came for my final, I was a nervous wreck. This test would literally determine my fate of passing or failing the class. Despite all of my best efforts, I didn’t do as well as I expected. My heart was heavy for the whole day. I just knew I was going to bomb the class and have to repeat something to get the credits, which would have possibly delayed my graduating on time.

I emailed my professor out of desperation to see if there was any saving grace for my grade and GPA. By some miracle, I was able to pass. I honestly don’t know if I could ever thank my professor enough for being gracious enough. The whole ordeal did teach me a lesson of humility. You begin to look at things differently when one little thing could change your whole path of life. Sometimes the lessons are hard, and I’m certainly thankful mine wasn’t as hard as it could have been.

Stay positive. Keep your eyes on the prize. Even if you have to stay longer, you will have a lesson that you’ll never forget.