Dear Second Semester,

Its four days in after a nice month-long break. My motivation levels are still high... in theory. Its hard to get the drive to read 20 pages for one class and a 30 page chapter for another class after having no school for a whole 33. I did though and it wasn't exactly my idea of fun. I have a good feeling about this semester. I'm finally getting to take a psych class. The weather will be getting warmer instead of cooler as the weeks go on and I'm more prepared.

See, transitioning from high school to college is more drastic than some may think. You're away from home, you are away from your closest friends, you have to find some way to make new ones, and a lot of us are still in recovery from a year long battle of senioritis.

The idea of reading, going to class, and taking tests seem pretty routine. Your professor's tell you exactly what you are getting into each week and you know every due date and test date weeks, even months in advance. It doesn't seem too complicated but it can be.

Even once you're used to being away from the comfort of home, there's still adjusting to the work load, free time and general things that can happen in life.

The social aspects of college can be just as stressful as the actual education part. Add the two together and it's not a fun time.

This semester is different though. We're going in fully recovered from senioritis, truly know the work load and how to balance a social life with school.

We learned the discipline of telling ourselves to study instead of hangout with friends.

We found a support system that became our little family away from family.

We know how to handle ourselves and how to help each other.

Second semester is like a second chance to prosper socially, and academically. We learned the lessons needed to grow.

Its the start of a new semester, a new year and new ambition to keep moving forward because in 3 and a half years, we will walk that stage and get those degrees. We will achieve those goals we become college students for.

So bring it on Spring 2017. I'm ready and so is everyone else!