This semester, I did something I never thought I would do. I took a semester off of school. This came at a time that could not have been more crucial. You see, I took the semester off partially because I was behind on some things with school, and had a hold on my account relating to financial aid, but partially for my mental health. School had upped my anxiety to the point where I was crying almost every night from the stress, and I was falling behind in classes. So I opted to take a semester off to refresh myself and work on my mental health as well as catching up where I needed to catch up.

Taking a semester off is a very taboo decision to make, especially in the middle of your time in school. Many people tell you that you won't go back, or tell you why it's not a smart move. But in my case, it has been the best thing for me. I've taken the last few months to recollect myself.

Taking this step back from school has also helped me re-realize my passion for my field of study. I have realized how passionate I am for social work, and it's helped me realize how important a part of my life school is. I have missed being in school, and I have missed the structure of school. Being out of school has also helped me realize where I was going wrong in my school habits. It helped me realize I wasn't studying, which is an important part of college. It helped me realize I wasn't keeping up with myself well enough. I wasn't attending as many classes as I should have been, which took a huge toll on my grades and my mental health.

College has always been seen as a learning experience, and a semester off was no different for me. I have learned a lot about myself and the way I need to handle school when I return in the summer. My semester off was a learning experience for me and I am glad I had support and love from all angles when I decided to take my semester off. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me in this semester, and who will continue to help me when I start back in school. I am grateful for my semester off.