After five weeks of college and the first round of exams have completed, I've come to a conclusion: attending college isn't the easiest thing on the planet. I'm finally realizing just what nineteen credit hours will do to a college freshman, and I'm not exactly a fan of the effects.

I've lost numerous hours of sleep. Whenever I'm without a certain amount of sleep, the next day becomes a bit of a drag. In order to get around in the morning, my energy relies strictly on coffee and if I don't have it then I'm practically useless for the rest of the day. I'm hardly ever able to see my friends due to my busy schedule. If I can't socialize with people I enjoy being around, then that affects my attitude negatively.

Sometimes, I feel like no one else understands my struggle, but I look around and begin to notice that a lot of the other students new to the college life are experiencing this feat of getting used to things, and many of them are ready to give up just as soon as they've begun. They're tired of the amount of homework and are in desperate need of some room to breathe, but it's simply not an option in their eyes.

I can't say I know exactly what each of you are personally going through, but I know that this won't last forever. I've heard from numerous upperclassmen that, although the workload may not subside, things will start to get better.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'" Any time I'd started to feel overwhelmed these past few weeks, I'd always remember this verse. It's calming to be reminded that The Lord will take our burdens from us as long as we're willing to lay them down for Him to take.

There's a song by one of my favorite Christian artists, for King & Country that's called, "It's Not Over Yet." Whenever I'm stressed out or ready to give up, I just listen to the lyrics

"To everyone who's hit their limit

It's not over yet

It's not over yet

And even when you think you're finished

It's not over yet

It's not over yet"

My fellow college students, I urge you not to give up and continue on without concern. It's uplifting to know that I'm not the only one, so just remember that there are others around you who can relate. Know that, though we're still going to see a lot of homework and stress in the future, things will get better as you go along. There's nothing God can't handle, so let Him have all of your worries and concerns. Keep fighting, and never give up.

Lacey Franklin