While we're only about halfway through the first semester of this year, I'm already starting to notice some major differences between my freshman and sophomore years of college.

My freshman year of college was rough, to say the least. I didn't exactly give myself time to prepare for college. I just jumped right in, and because of this, I struggled. My grades in particular really struggled. I spent the majority of my first and second semester of freshman year watching my grades fall. Then, at the very last second, I would scramble to bring them back up.

Heading into this year, I knew I needed to make a change. The way I treated school last year wasn't good for my stress levels. With this year being the first I'm working and going to school at the same time, I don't have time to mess around.

The biggest difference I notice this year is my grades. For the first time in a while, I don't need to rush to get my grades up at the end of the semester. I'm not begging my professors to give me extra credit.

By committing to keeping myself organized, taking a few weeks to find a homework and study system that works for me, and holding myself accountable, I've managed to keep my grades up. I also feel like I'm getting a lot more out of my classes this way.

At times, this can feel like a lot of hard work, but it's not without reward. Knowing my grades are where I need them to be has reduced my stress levels tremendously. The reduced stress also makes school a lot more enjoyable for me.

Perhaps the most important difference I notice this year is that I actually feel like a college student. I felt like I was playing dress-up during my freshman year. Now, I'm still not a hundred percent sure what I'm doing with my life, but I'm finally confident in the path I'm taking.