“We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King

Let me preface this article by saying that last semester almost killed me. You always hear stories of people reminiscing over their first semester of college, "oh, first semester of college, if only things could be that easy again!" or "FIRST SEMESTER WAS MY FAVORITE!", this was not at all the case for me. I'm pretty sure I broke a record for how many times a freshman has changed their major, plans failed, a long-standing relationship crashed and burned, I came within an inch of loosing a desperately needed scholarship (over one class *insert 30 year long eye roll here*), and a myriad of other trials. During this season of my life, God revealed so much to me. Hopefully, this article offers you the clarity that I was shown over the past few months.

1. Our Pain is Progress

In every season of our lives, there will be trials. Some seasons will have more than others (shout-out to last semester) but, they will be ever present throughout our lifetime. The faster we learn to accept that, the faster we learn to thrive in hardship. Our pain only betters us in the long run. We are made in the perfect image of God. Your flaws, your short-comings, your failure, is all a part of the perfect plan for your life. Find rest in the truth that everything present in your life right now, good or bad, is all apart of the beautiful, scattered mess that will make up your life story.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" Romans 8:18

2. Your Degree is Not For You

Our degrees are not for us, they are for others. Remind yourself of this when you're procrastinating on writing that paper or laying in bed weighing the consequences of skipping that 8 AM. You are in your major because you have a passion for making a difference in your field of study. Our world is in desperate need of driven teachers, doctors, businesses, etc. Do not let inevitable pre-midterm burn out get to you. Your degree is not for you.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them" Hebrews 6:10

3. Never, ever give up.

Simply giving up is not an option. We are blessed with so many opportunities every day. Opportunities to love and serve others, pursue our education, and make the world a better place. I say again, you cannot give up. Life will knock you down, but what makes the difference is howyou decide to get back up. If you have received the blessing of waking up this morning, it is your duty to not only better your own life, but someone else's. Do not go to bed without being proud of what you've accomplished today.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:29-31