This time of year is always tough for college students. We all just got back to school after being home to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. It was great being home as we all got to see our loved ones, relax, and begin to ring in the Christmas season. However, now we're back and in the midst of the most stressful part of the semester. It can be easy to feel discouraged and upset. I personally would much rather be watching Christmas movies than checking the numerous papers and assignments off my to do list. People have various techniques to make this time of year go as fast as possible, such as making a countdown and watching as the number of days until we return home for winter break becomes less and less. I tend to do this a lot whenever I'm getting excited for an upcoming event or when I simply can't wait for a certain period of time to end.

This year, I have a challenge for us. Let's all try to find some good in all this stress. I challenge each and every one of you, including myself, to make sure to find something that makes you happy each day. Instead of trying to make the days go as fast as possible, let's try to enjoy them as much as we can, despite all the stress. I'm not saying these days will be the best of your life, but I think we can find something good in each one of them.

It is important for us to keep it all in perspective. These rough days will eventually end and we will be home before we know it. However, once they're gone, all the good things that we can enjoy in these days will then come to an end too. College can be very stressful, especially at this time of year, but it is also a ton of fun and we only get to enjoy it for 4 years. I think we need to remember to take a step back and be thankful that we even have the opportunity to attend college and learn such interesting information from intelligent professors and peers. All of our hard work pays off every day and gets us closer to achieving whatever goals we have set for ourselves. You and all your friends may be cramming for exams, but at least you're doing it all together and keeping each other company. Whenever I call my parents, I find myself complaining about all the work I have to do. I have to remind myself to always be grateful that I have two wonderful parents that will pick up the phone whenever I call.

So over these next few weeks, please try to find something to enjoy through all those long nights in the library. Try to take some study breaks to enjoy events on campus (especially all the Christmas ones), treat yourself to your favorite dessert, watch an episode of your favorite show every night after you've finished your work, find some time each day to laugh with friends, or do whatever else makes you happy.

I'll challenge myself to do the same. Let's not just countdown the days, but rather let's enjoy them one by one. We'll miss them someday.