A new year and a fresh semester! In the next few days/weeks, we will be getting new classes, teachers, friends, and also a clean slate with our grades. So many things are out of our control, but by taking these six steps, an amazing semester is at the tips of your fingers!
1. Pray. Pray. Pray. God wants to hear from you. He does not mind how big or small the prayer is; He just wants you to pray. Pray for your friends as they begin this new semester. We will all have highs and lows, so pray for their success and hardships. Pray for your teachers as well because they are starting over with new students and need help from time to time, too. Pray for anyone who crosses your mind.
2. SLEEP. You know your study habits better than anyone, so do what you need to do, but get some rest. There comes a time when you need to put the books and notecards down and let your body and mind take a break.
3. Work hard, but enjoy life! School and grades are extremely important, but they do not define who you are as a person. We get so caught up with perfection, we forget to have a little fun. Go out and get pizza with your friends one random night. Watch a bunch of movies and eat tubs of ice cream. Take lots of pictures and laugh until your stomach hurts. Time will not stop, so make every second count.
4. Ask for help. There will be a time when you feel so overwhelmed, lost, and confused. Help is out there; you just have to find it. Your teachers, family, and friends care about you. Reach out to someone when your plate gets too full and lend a helping hand when someone is in need.
5. Believe in yourself. Look at how far you have come in the past few months. You have made it through all of your first semester classes, exams, and projects. Nobody said it would be easy, but you did it. You can do it again! Have faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to and it will.
6. Breathe. This semester is only what you make it. Try not to stress about the little things. Focus on your goals and breathe. You've got this!
Cheers to 2016 and a new semester!