The campus buzz is often filled with talk of weekend plans, mumbles of failing last week's exam, hysterical laughs often followed by tears when bank accounts are checked only to reveal that finances have now reached single digit numbers... once again.

As church pews filled on Ash Wednesday, campus talk focused on plans, goals, and things to give up for Lent. Many students seemingly vowed to challenge themselves by giving up alcohol, sweets, Netflix, some even went as far as to give up sex; promises of going to the gym every day and working harder in school were made between friends and between God.

By Friday, college kids everywhere realized just how hard Lent can be when alcohol is holy water and Netflix is the Bible.

As simple as it seems to commit to giving up things that we once lived happily without, allow me to briefly shine some light on why giving up certain things in college is the newest edition mission impossible.

This portion is very simple: the concept of alcohol and its many uses to various college students.

"I gave up alcohol, but I got asked to a Frat-a-lina wine mixer on Friday..so..."

"I just aced my exam. I'm going to celebrate."

"I just failed my exam. I need a drink."

"Did you know Monday, February 22 is National Margarita Day? I don't even like margaritas, but we should celebrate."

Water is essential for survival for any human. To many college students who have completed four midterms and the taste of coffee has gone bland, alcohol is the holy water.

In some cases, it may be easy to avoid alcoholic beverages, don't step near the bars or houses on weekend evenings. For those who have solemnly sworn to eradicate candy, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and sweets of all shapes and sizes, the task is much more difficult and it is best to come to terms with the dining halls being a "no trespassing" area.

The difference between eating out of your kitchen versus eating in a dining hall is this: dining halls place desserts everywhere. The self-control one must have to resist desserts in a dining hall is unfathomable to me.

Go to grab a slice of pizza and there are cupcakes right next to it. If you're hungry for a bagel, you may as well grab the beautifully glazed doughnut in the case adjacent to the bagels. If you avoided all of the desserts while getting your main course, don't forget to reward yourself with the ice cream that's conveniently located by the door to leave.

Of all of the reasons to reject dessert, there's far more excuses for sneaking a bite of something sweet:

"I gave up sweets but they're serving my favorite dessert in the dining hall today...and it's been a rough week. I deserve to treat myself."

"I gave up dessert, but I pay too much for this meal plan not to take a brownie."

"I gave up chocolate, but God cursed me by making me a woman. I need chocolate this week."

Alcohol and sweets have both failed. But there's many things that can be improved upon during the Lent season. Typically, students tend to gravitate toward the improvement of their physique, especially with spring break and beaches just around the corner.

The math speaks for itself: 24,000 students vs. 12 treadmills. The odds are rarely ever in your favor.

"I went to the gym and there were zero treadmills available, so I just left."

The success rate of "giving up" items for Lent can be very slim when you're at the mercy of your stress levels, the dining hall menu, and the popularity of the gyms' facilities. Although the college "struggle" is seemingly never ending, Lent should not be a concept that furthers the perception of the struggle being real.

As time has passed, society has continued to misinterpret the meaning behind the celebration of the Lenten season. Originally, the 40-day period was intended to prepare those who participated for the spiritual renewal that Easter brought. Although fasting was a portion of the season, Lent was far more than giving up this or that. It was a time for reflection, a time for self-improvement, and a time for personal growth.

Despite the ongoing belief that something that is too often indulged in must be sacrificed during this festive season, you need not feel guilty for binge-watching "How I Met Your Mother" or "Grey's Anatomy" whilst simultaneously stuffing your face with a pint of cookies 'n cream ice cream or enjoying a glass of wine. Lent is far more than it has been molded into by society and shouldn't be based off the ability or inability to eliminate something that is a personal outlet for happiness.

So, raise your glasses and toast with your treats to a Lenten season dedicated to giving into yourself rather than giving up for yourself.