We are over half way through the semester so I would first like to congratulate you all. It may not seem like a big to do that you made it through, but we all know college is full of L's so we need to take the small victories when we get them. Chances are you made it through midterms too (another well done to you) and are settling into a bit of a lull where you find yourself still too far away thanksgiving, Christmas and freedom, but still all too close to another week of deadly finals.

Today, hopefully, I can give you that little kick that I know I and probably some of you need right now because it's a long semester. Tans and tan lines are fading. The sun is nowhere in sight. Days off are few and far between. And I know we are all struggling somewhere in some facet of our lives. So whether it's the cold weather school. your job or just life, in general, that's got you down, here's a little pick me up because it's the beginning of a long week, but I promise, there's light at the end of the tunnel.

1. "Drink some coffee and pretend you know what you're doing"

I thought this was a perfect opening because what is college other than "faking it till you make it". Honestly, with a little coffee,and some confidence, whether artificial or authentic, you can get through a lot more than you think. And if you fake it for long enough and put in a little hard work, maybe one day pretending to know will turn into knowing more than you could have imagined.

2. "Be happy with what you have while working for what you want"

Let's be honest, college is far from being all butterflies and rainbows. Yeah, it's awesome, but nobody loves working jobs for low amounts of money, with probably crappy hours, while taking classes, studying all on top of trying to have a life. HOWEVER, these are some of the years with the most freedom, where we can do truly what we want and be on our own, so why not make them count and be happy with everything we do have and can do in the moment so we can live out our dreams once we leave the magical land of college.

3."Push yourself because nobody else is going to do it for you"

Like I said, college is the time when we are independent for the first time and completely on our own to do whatever we want, which is great. But that also means that your mom or your counselor or you teachers or whoever else are not breathing down your throat telling you to study or work harder or go to the library. Just always remember that the harder you work now, the more it will pay off one day. It's not as far off as it seems so do all you can to get yourself there.

4. "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you"

It's not gonna be easy. It's probably going to be very very hard. Mentally, physically, emotionally and everything else. But the struggle, and difficulty and hard work are only making you better and putting you in a better place to succeed and reach your full potential in every part of your life.

5."You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose"

This one is from none other than the great Dr.Suess, and it may seem juvenile, but it makes sense. We often overlook that fact that right now WE are the ones making the decision about what we are going to do with our lives. There are restrictions, but we picked where we want to school, what we are studying, where we are living, who we are friends with and so much more. It's a lot of pressure, however, it's gonna pay off when we get to the place with the people of our dreams and are so beyond happy.

6. "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful"

Success is something you have to work for. It's not gonna all in your lap. But when you are truly willing to give everything you have, I mean ALL that you can to reach that goal and the place you deem successful, you will be unstoppable. And if you keep giving it all you have, one day, maybe not tomorrow, but one day, you will get to where you want to be.

7. You can do it.

This isn't that motivational, but I think it is of the utmost important. If you don't believe in yourself and the fact that you CAN do it and you WILL get there, you might as well not even try. You are the only one that has the power to fulfill the goals you for yourself for then next week, months, years and your entire life. It starts and ends with you so believe in yourself. Believe in the power of your dreams.

Fill your life with people that are going to boost you up when you are on a mountain and pull you up when you are in a valley. Fill your heart with words to inspire you when you feel like you can't do it anymore. Believe that you can do it.Because you will. You will get through this semester. It's already halfway over! The best time of year is right around the corner. Appreciate the challenges and struggles that you have in your life today and start kicking their butt, they are gonna make you be the best version of yourself you can possibly imagine. Have a great week & God Bless!