It's that time of year again! That's right, you know what I'm talking about. Regardless of whether you are in high school or in college, there is always that one week you have been preparing for all semester— finals week. We all know it's coming but refuse to accept that it will actually be here. The thought of spending countless hours studying can be even more daunting than the thought of taking the actual final itself. As the never ending list of everything you need to know continues to grow just as it seems you are getting close to finishing, it may be a bit tempting to put on the "Negative Nelly" attire. However, just a few positive thoughts to look forward to are just what we need to get us through our worst days, our worst weeks and as the end of the school year draws near, finals week.

Everyone always tell you to never give up or you got this! Sometimes we listen, but most of the time we just shrug it off and let it roll off of us like it was never even said. But with finals week quickly approaching, we should embrace all the support and encouragement we can get. We've all been there. You look at the clock and suddenly realize it's midnight, or even later in some cases. The sudden realization sinks in and you wonder where the night has gone? But that little voice in the back of your head tells you to keep goingso instead of throwing in the towel, you decide that you actually can do this. You've survived it before, so you can definitely survive it again. Don't let the stress or the pressure reign victorious over you, but instead conquer it and finish strong!

We all have different things we look forward to for when finals week is over. Summer, vacation, friends and bonfires are right around the corner. When the stress and pressure begins to sink in and you think to yourself, "How am I going to finish?" just remind yourself that the best is yet to come. Whether "the best" for you is summer, graduation or a new job fresh out of college, there is so much to look forward to that nothing, not even finals, should stand in your way. When you are halfway through your math final and are not entirely sure if you remember that formula from way back in the first week of the semester, just remember how close you are to that freedom you worked all year to get to.

Moments of weakness are something everyone encounters in their life. But as moments of weakness make their way in during finals week, remember that you are capable of more than you know. Yes, studying is hard and yes, taking tests is hard, but in the end, it is entirely worth it. Whether you are one finals week away from graduating or just finishing freshman year, you are that much closer to reaching your dreams and everything that comes along with it. So as finals week is right around the bend for some of us, don't let it take control of you. Instead, take control of finals week and make it your best one yet!