It seems that with winter weather, our moods change. We get a little more stressed, depressed and sometimes we don't even have the motivation to be well-dressed. Sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to do homework, go to work or pursue that student organization you're interested in. We all have dark days but, the days are getting brighter which means so will our moods.

I got this idea when it was February 17th, 2017. A beautiful Friday in Iowa City. My homework load had gone down tremendously, I turned in several midterms and I was going to have a great weekend with sorority friends. The best part was, it was about 70 degrees and beautiful and sunny out. I spent that afternoon sitting on the Pentacrest with a sorority sister just enjoying the weather. The sun shining on my face and listening to some good music. It was in that moment that I realized, the past year has been rough but, I feel content with my life.

The week prior I had been stressed about relationships and school work and student organizations. I felt many different feelings. Such as I wasn't going to succeed this semester, I'm not cut out to handle this work load and that my friend group was decreasing. But I realized on this sunny afternoon that even if you're in a dark place. Winter is a time for those types of moods. But as the day's get brighter, your mood will if you hang in there.

Another thing that made me realize this was my current roommate and applying for an RA position. Last year, she pursued the RA application process as it was something she desperately wanted. She was put on the waitlist for this year but had heard nothing. She pursued the application again and she made it! I was so excited and happy for her it's as if I had gotten the position.

It really made me think about the concept of hard work and not giving up. Even if you had a bad week, that doesn't mean that it will be a phase of bad life. After a stressful week and the current standing with my roommate and her dreams I realized, hard work pays off. It's to feel stressed and overwhelmed. But as we head into the summer solstice, the days are getting longer and the weather is becoming even more beautiful outside. So the next time you're struggling, just remember the brighter days are coming and each day is different. Take it with a grain of salt, because tomorrow could be the best day of your life and all of your dreams could come true. You just never know what tomorrow holds.