After we finally nailed our first week of classes, I can honestly say this is going to be the most challenging semester I’ve ever had, and believe me, I’ve had some truly memorable semesters. This is my senior year, and struggling with Webex was not how I envisioned the ending of my college career.

I struggled to get here: taking a year off after high school and moving to Florida, finding my motivation for school again and convincing my family that I was going to return to finish what I needed to start. For a slight moment this week, I found myself in that same place that I was in at just 18 years old.

I contemplated coming back this semester or if school was even worth it because I’m a learner that needs face-to-face contact, the academic atmosphere and sometimes just a hug from my friends. Things have been particularly hard, but I fought so hard to be here; losing the freshman 20 pounds instead of gaining, academic probation (twice) and let’s not get started on a college student’s mental health coupled with the wonderful debt.

I refused to let a little Webex stop me.

Now, I’m here to remind you not to let the devastation of our current predicament, COVID-19, stop us from progressing further. Here are a few things to remember when it all seems to blur:

Take A Breath – The frustration of your professor muting themselves constantly, the digitally viewed powerpoints and just staring at a screen for hours can take its toll on a person. Trust me, I’ve been there.

You wouldn’t believe how just closing your eyes and taking a simple breath can help you. Sometimes the refocus is needed and there’s a sense of peace that comes over you from it.

Go For A Run – Okay, I’m not one to particularly run — I can do a strong jog at best— however, there’s nothing like having a physical release. Whether it’s running, jogging, walking, push-ups and everything else healthy under the sun, taking care of our physical health is a step to improve your mental heath, and right now, we need all the help we can get.

Getting your academics done isn’t enough to keep you motivated for school. It’s everything you do surrounding it: emotionally, physically and mentally. Love every inch of yourself.

Remember Why – Why are you here? This question is of the utmost importance when asking yourself something, especially school.

Who are you doing this for? If it’s not for yourself, then it’s going to be twice as hard to continue and even easier to give up. You have to remember what brought you here, what motivated you and how you’re going to continue to strive to be even better than you’ve already proven yourself to be.

What are you planning on gaining? Growth is an essential factor in your academic career and life in general. Don’t lose sight of what brought you here in the first place.

If you don’t have an answer to any of these questions, just answer this one: what do you love? No one can live your life for you, so achieve the dreams you thought were foolish and impossible because your happiness matters, your sanity matters.