After sitting down with your advisor, you just realized you are behind on credits. Be it you dropped a course or don’t have the pre-requisites for the next level of classes, one way or another, you’ve fallen behind. Now what?

Breathe. Relax. And say, “It's going to be okay.” College is an experience, not a race (if anything it's an endurance test). It's okay if you don’t get that bachelor’s in four years.

Since the start of college, I have bounced back and forth between graduating on time to having to either stay an extra semester or a full year. In my underclass years it did take its toll on me. It stressed me out and made me depressed. At times I just wanted to quit altogether. But with anything in life, every situation is about perspective. You can look at this as a failure to graduate on time or you can treat it as a beneficial experience.

I should be graduating in May of 2017, but now it is currently changed to December of 2017. I’m going to watch my friends graduate and start their careers while I spend another semester in classes. For anyone in the same position as me, you have two options: be upset and subtweet about your problems, or take advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given. I've learned that education is valuable and amazing. You have another semester or year to learn and develop yourself both personally and professionally. Take classes that interest you, get another internship, and do some networking!

I understand the frustration that comes out of falling behind, but you can’t let it get the best of you. It’s okay to spend some time upset, but it is so important that you get up and keep going. In the long run, I believe the extra time will be helpful to me. I will be taking more classes towards my major to strengthen my skill set, probably apply for another internship, and just spend time enjoying myself. After this is the real world (scary responsibilities), so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts!