Some students go into college undecided while others have their futures all planned out. Either way, undergrad students will take difficult classes that not only challenge their way of thinking but also challenge what they thought they wanted to do with their lives. And when that happens, then what? Suddenly, time slows and it feels as though your whole world has just turned upside down.

I got through my first semester of college feeling completely passionate about my major, feeling completely inspired by my peers and professors to continue with that major and someday make my dreams become reality. I set goals for my future. I walked with this infinite motivation to go further, to do something with my major that goes beyond the classroom. So that's exactly what I did. Hence why you're reading this now.

However, it wasn't long before everything I was feeling, became something of the past. The passion and motivation were still present, but it got to a point where I felt as though I lost touch with them. Everything I thought I knew about myself and the world around me seamlessly disappeared without a sound. And it was all because of this one class I'm currently taking.

For the first two days of this class, I was so excited to finally be enrolled in a course that is essential to my career. But a week later, and here I am, having some serious doubts. This is so unlike me. It's not that I'm not interested in the class. It's that it's much more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm drowning in work and I'm exhausted. I never thought of my major like this before, I never realized how difficult and demanding my potential career might be.

It all just felt foreign. The challenges of the course made me afraid, afraid of never being able to reach success, afraid of never being able to do this type of work in the real world as a professional in the field. And the worst part? As much as I want to hate the class for making me rethink everything, I can't because I love the content so much.

So maybe that's what we need to keep in mind, that love, that natural curiosity we have for one particular career in a world essentially full of careers. When a class becomes so difficult that you start to rethink everything you thought you knew, take a deep breath. Maybe this is a wake-up call reminding you that you're doing exactly what you're supposed to do. Instead of letting the class dissipate your passion, let it ignite your passion even more. Use the challenge as motivation, use it as all the more reason to go after what you really want.

This is one class. There's a whole world out there that will present you with some of the most difficult obstacles you will ever face in your lifetime. And when that happens, you can't be afraid. You have to face those challenges head-on, that's the beauty of life itself. Instead of letting this one class get to you, redefine its challenges. Think of challenges as an illusory tool meant to help you, not hurt you.

Next time you take a class that makes you rethink absolutely everything, give yourself time. Close your eyes. Take a second to envision the future you always thought you'd have one day. Open your eyes. Walk into class with that infinite motivation leading the way. Be ambitious and live in the present as you embark on your journey to venture out into the real world. Challenge is good, even if it doesn't appear as so. Don't forget that.