This one is for you.

You, you being the one who is trying their hardest right now. College is tough, especially around the holidays. Around this time, all you want to do is cuddle up and watch feel-good movies, spend time with family and friends, and go out to all of the holiday celebrations. This is also that time of the semester when final papers, projects, presentations, tests, etc. are all due. Right now is that time of the semester where you can turn that B into an A, or the C into a B. Right now may be the hardest time of the semester. Perhaps, a loved one is not here to watch your favorite movie or talk about the family drama. The holiday season brings up sweet memories of family and friends, but they can be painful if that person is no longer here. On top of missing that person, you have all of these school assignments to worry about. I can't imagine how hard it is. But this is my gift to you: they miss you too. They see you working your butt off and they are so proud of you. If they could, they would surprise you at your door with a hug and congratulate you on your hard work. They would remind you how hard of a worker you are and that the world is yours, even if it feels completely against you right now.

This is for all of the tough weeks ahead of self-doubt, exhaustion, existential crisis, which are bound to happen during finals week. After Thanksgiving, it is just the home stretch before the end of the semester, and everyone is so ready for a few weeks break. The following few weeks get tough because everyone just wants to be done. But keep pushing and keep staying positive. Be that light and radiance of encouragement when you feel down about your abilities and how you are doing, along with everyone else. You may never know the impact you may have on someone, but try to make it a positive one with everyone feeling exhausted from a long semester of work.

This is for all the fun memories that are ahead. From the ugly Christmas sweater parties, early holiday parties, end of semester gatherings, and possibly finding a new love. From laughter with friends over homework and classes, or just laughing at each other at a party. These are the nights we can never remember the next day but will not forget. Academically, this is a tough spot of the semester, but it has so much cheer around it outside of the school walls. Spend time with friends, hug everyone a bit tighter, and make these memories last. Everyone is struggling, that is a known fact. But, let's make a few hours on a Friday or Saturday night (sometimes, shamelessly a Tuesday ) unforgettable and make them last.

This one is for you. To the one who needs that extra encouragement to make it through the next few weeks of school into the holiday season. This is to let you know that you are far from being alone. College from undergraduate to doctoral level is hard, no matter what. You can make it through to the end of the semester, you will grow and you will succeed. Learn from your mistakes and try not to dwell on them so much.

But, this is for you. You are doing great and you can make through the end.