This December after four (and a halfish) rigorous years of studying, one changed major, an extra degree, and a year abroad, I will be the proud recipient of two Bachelor's of Arts degrees - each slightly more useless than the next, depending on the day. I have labored these last four and a half years with one thought in mind- graduation. As the coveted day draws nearer, with distinguished honors next to my name, and in the midst of an almost overwhelming sea of graduate school essays, I have found myself in a rare moment of clear reflection; I can't believe in five weeks my undergraduate journey will be over. I haven't quite processed how that makes me feel.

By a twist of fate (or life), my older sister and I will cross that sacred stage together, or as together as we can get from separate colleges. Although we ceased sharing schools when I was seven, my sister has been my best friend. Through five different states, two marriages, countless boyfriends, and typical teenage girl drama-fests, she has been my rock, and I feel incredibly honored to share my graduation day with her.

For most of our lives, my sister has lived in the shadow of my academic success. As an avid reader and one of those students that was always bored in elementary and middle schools, my academic record as been practically perfect. My childhood memories are dotted with various awards ceremonies and academic honor societies, and while my sister participated in her share of these experiences, her academic career has been a much more difficult journey than mine.

As we have aged, our lives have taken drastically different paths, as well. When she was just an eager college freshman, she made the rookie mistake of following someone to a school she couldn't really afford, causing her to take out large student loans, and when that college closed, she was left with the mess of rerouting her undergraduate career. As the ambitious yet fickle soul that she is, her transcripts bear the marks of several attempted degree paths and amid her academic roller coaster she faced and conquered demons the likes of which would chill the blood of the most hardened criminals. She ultimately forged her own path and will graduate after an arduous seven-year journey with a degree in professional studies. Her undergraduate story ends happily in marriage and a budding family, crowned with her hard-earned bachelor's certification.

She is my hero.

I want to take a moment to praise my sister and her journey. I want to praise all of the college students in similar situations to my sister's. I want to commend you all for even attempting any degree, whatever it may be. In an ever more cruel and competitive world, the necessity of a secondary degree is more potent than any other time in history, despite the accessibility of higher education being severely limited by petty factors such as money.

I want to send a cheer to the girl in my workshop class that battles a chronic illness, but still finds it in herself to come to class prepared and ready to work.

Here's a shout out to the student who's only means of transportation was totaled, causing him to walk five miles each way to school and back every day.

I salute the ROTC student that volunteered their life for us in exchange for their degree.

A hearty pat on the back to the single parents who struggle to balance action packed lives. I have the utmost respect for people in your positions and I hope one day your children commend your accomplishments as I would like to.

To the student that must decide whether to buy groceries or pay rent, I say, “Hang in there. They promise it's going to be worth it.” You are much stronger than you realize.

A gentle word of encouragement to the non-traditional students that have returned to school for whatever reason.

A proud nod to the students enrolled in twenty plus hours, to the ones involved in countless clubs and organizations, to the STEM students.

I want the students with disabilities and/or hardships to know I admire your perseverance.

To all of the students enrolled in secondary education programs: I see you; you can do this. Keep going. Because they say the best things in life are worth the effort, and you've made it this far. Your path may be a winding one; it could be a short one; it could seem impossibly long. It is yours and yours alone. Don't miss out on the scenery because you were too busy watching the other travelers. Your experience is valid; you are not inferior.