It feels like just yesterday I was moving in to my freshman dorm in the blistering heat of August to start my freshman year of college. Now, before my eyes, I'm entering my junior year and cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Looking back on my first two years of college, I cannot believe how much I have changed as a person and as a student.

Looking back, I can't believe that I was the way I was my freshman year. Eating unhealthy, getting no sleep, going out a lot. I was basically running on fumes most days and definitely gained more than the freshman fifteen. Second semester I realized that I needed to start making changes or I was going to fall behind physically mentally and academically.

During my sophomore year, I began focussing more on my schoolwork, keeping my circle small, and making my health a top priority. Not only was I doing better in school, but I felt amazing physically as well. As the year went on and things in my personal life started heading south, so did my motivation to do anything. I was anxious all the time and never wanted to leave my dorm room. I was always going home and felt as if I had nobody. After coming home for the summer, I realized that I needed to start making changes to benefit myself.

Now, as I am about to enter my junior year of college, I know what I need to do to succeed. The thought of being more than halfway done with college is terrifying on its own, never mind having to think about all of the work your going to have to do for the next two years. The only advice I can give to myself and others, is to just stay focused. It seems so simple, but it can be so difficult. With everything going on around you, you'll start to get major FOMO (Fear of missing out) especially with everyone turning 21 and going out to bars on Wednesday nights.

The biggest difficulty will be keeping your focus on school, your health, and your mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, drink lots of water and DO NOT get involved in drama that you do not need. Doing all of this will ensure success in one of your hardest years of college. Being an education major myself, this year will be especially stressful due to finishing my second major, my prerequisites, and getting accepted into my professional program all while working, maintaining a healthy living and keeping my sanity. With only two years left, this is the time to buckle down and really get things done. Just keep telling yourself that your future depends on this and that it will only benefit you in the long run.