As we speak, I am exactly a month away from the end of finals week (cue the anxious/excited screeching). I am also pulling an all-nighter due to the excessive excitement, stress, and workload (obviously nothing unusual in college), so I can already feel my skills being put to the test. The last month of any semester is always a crazy time mostly due to finals and doing anything for a passing grade in some classes, but the end of a whole year (the most productive and demanding year so far at that) takes "challenge" to a whole new level.

Ah, junior year, the year in college that has the reputation for being the hardest (if you don't include senioritis for senior year). So far this has been the most fun, productive, demanding, and challenging year of possibly my whole life! For me, junior year was a major jolt of reality and learning what is truly right for me. It was a year full of accomplishments, trial-and-error, low times, and amazing, unforgettable memories.

But with fun comes responsibilities. Specifically in my case, my responsibilities include big decisions such as searching for a summer internship, considering a minor, and deciding which classes to register for in the fall as well as possible summer classes. As somebody who likes to plan ahead and has trouble making decisions, you cannot imagine the burden and stress that is being put onto me mentally. However, I learned that when applying for my job last year, it is best to attend any job fairs, think thoroughly, spend a few hours on a decent cover letter and resume (making them very to the point and not too elaborate of course), and then ask any questions about applying and then just go for it! As for a minor, I have always been interested in one just for something fun and more skills to build on and all in all, four more classes are not that much of a burden. The internship and summer class will allow me to catch up on my degree and will also allow me more time for my potential minor, so I plan to use the last month to apply for an internship to the best of my abilities.

There are a lot of challenges, but there is always more power than you could imagine. To say that the final month before a year ends is challenging is an understatement. You will be exhausted, you will be anxious, and you will be upset. However, do not let those emotions get in the way of your potential. My junior year has been a very challenging year, but my challenges have truly strengthened me and showed me that I have more power than I could ever imagine! Just thinking about my potential to get an internship as well as work over the summer and take a class so that I can focus on a minor and learn more is motivation enough to push through as much as I can, no matter how hard the circumstances.

With one month left of my most challenging year, I am more than ready to combat any ounce of exhaustion, anxiety, and stress to show that I've got the power to work towards a bright future.

Therefore, I am fastening my seat belt, buckling down, and boosting my confidence for this final month. No matter how bumpy the road gets, there is always a way to get through it!