Let's be honest, we're all worn out.

It's really just that time of year, that point in the semester. Thanksgiving Break could not come sooner, homework, papers, exams, and obligations are all piling up. Yes, in the context of the entire world it is trivial, but it is still overwhelming.

Today in one of my classes I reached into my pencil bag for my saving grace: chewing gum. As I unzipped the bag I pulled out an empty package of chewing gum. And that is where I gave up. I made a pitiful face and wailed like a baby over the loss of my safety net. The other students at my table groaned in agreement and pity over my loss.

And then a guy in my small group, a guy with whom I had little interaction with on a daily basis turned, unzipped his backpack and pulled out a stick of gum. He looked at me, smiled a little, and handed me the gum. And I realized, it's going to be alright.

That gum wasn't just a piece of gum, it was a recognition of everyone's "humanness." It was a small propellant forward of, "you can do it, I believe in you."

We all still have each other. And we all belong together. Regardless of our stress levels, how the economy is faring, what the political state is, we all are going to be alright. We can all take care of each other. In the words of Rosie the Riveter, "We can do it."

With the changing of seasons and speed of life, there are going to be days you feel like you really cannot do it, whatever "it" is. You may feel like you cannot move forward like it would be easier to just quit. And those feelings are so real.

But know that you can.

So here is my stick of gum for you:

Don't stop. Embrace the spot you're in, recognize that place, but don't let it trap you.

You can do it.

I believe in you.

We believe in you.

We are all doing this together.

We're all rooting for you.

Keep on, you will get there.