I knew what I was getting into. Signing up for classes at the end of last year, I knew from reading the course descriptions that my life would be spent researching, writing essay after essay and giving speeches -- which I have dreaded doing since elementary school. What I didn't know at the time was that, when everything was said and done, I'd be more confident in my writing and have a great sense of pride for what I've accomplished.

I decided to fully immerse myself in what I thought I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing: writing. Yeah, it sounds kind of boring, and I know that most people dread doing research papers, or any kind of paper in general. There are a lot of times I feel like this, too. But, when given the choice, I'd rather write than do anything else.

I like learning things -- actually learning -- not just shoving something into my brain that will only be there long enough for me to get through the test on that subject. Don't get me wrong. I have also done that quite a few times this semester, especially in math (ugh). But I really believe that the best way to learn is through experience, and I have gotten plenty of that this semester. This is especially true for writing.

Back in August, the realization was starting to hit me that I may not be ready for what was about to be asked of me. I started second-guessing myself and I spent a lot of days leading up to the start of classes worried if I was a good enough writer to pass all these writing-centered classes I was taking. Later on, however, I realized that, if I worked hard, which I did, that I could accomplish what it is that I wanted to. This did not always result in an A+, but it did result in me having practiced my passion and proven to myself that I am capable on working hard on something that is put in front of me.

Now, as winter break is just days away and I've turned in most of my final papers, I'm filled with a sense of pride. This has been, undoubtedly, the most difficult era of school that I've ever experienced. I spent countless Saturday nights trying to get ahead for the next week so that I wouldn't end up falling behind. It was all worth it in the long run, though. This just proves that, even if you go through a rough time in life, you'll come out the other side stronger and more confident than you were before.