Well, it's that time of year again, and everyone is heading back to school. The office supply stores are making a mint, as are the clothing stores, as everyone prepares to be the most fashionable, prepared student on campus. The days leading up to the first day are filled with anticipation and nerves, both good and bad. Group chats are filled with countdowns, and everyone's Snapchat stories are pictures of suitcases and boxes. Back to school season is in full swing.

My flight to school was this week, so I've only been back on campus for a few days, but I feel like I never left. Everything picked up where it was left off. My room looks relatively the same, the food is the same, and my schedule is very similar to last year's. All my close friendships remained strong, and our first encounters on campus were full of squeals and hugs. We are already back to gossiping about boys and planning our weekend excursions.

However, one thing that is very different is the rigor and intensity of my classes this year. Junior year is not a joke. I have been back in classes for two days and already have chapters of reading, problem sets, quizzes, oral presentations, etc. I did work today for hours trying to get ahead before I get even more swamped. As a pre-medical student, this year means a lot to me and my chances of medical school acceptance, so there is a lot of pressure. What I am trying to say is: back to school season is not just new backpacks and cute notebooks. It is not just seeing my friends again and going out on the weekends.

For me personally, back to school season is full of stress, anxiety and pressure. Last year was a very tough year for me emotionally and academically. It was a rough adjustment after freshman year. I faced a lot of setbacks that led to a drop in my GPA, which felt like the end of the world. However, I was able to find coping mechanisms to aid me through my rough patches. I confided in friends, my therapist and my professors. I learned how to pace myself and ask for help when I felt myself slipping. I was able to find my own strength when I felt like I had nothing left. Coming back to campus again for a new academic year comes with all of those emotions; however, I am going to continue to manage my internal and external stress.

This school year, I urge you to not go at it alone. There are tutors to help with classes, friends to vent to when you are frustrated and counseling services at your college to help when you are feeling lost. Go to office hours, read before class, study with people in your class. You will be surprised how much less stressful school can be when you learn to organize and ask for help. My biggest pitfalls in college have all occurred because I thought I could do everything by myself. No one is perfect. No one can do everything alone.

I wish everyone the best of luck this semester. I know that there will be times when you want to drop out, but it will all be worth it in the end. Stay strong, keep studying and strive for your goals. We can do this together. Happy back to school!