To the college kid who wants to quit,

I know what you're feeling. We all do. We all sympathize with the feeling of hopelessness, and empathize with the pain of feeling and sometimes realizing that this might not have been the plan for us. Truth is, you're wrong.

You're strong, smart, and capable. Every hope and dream that you so desperately crave is waiting at the finish line. And the truth is, getting there isn't easy. The path is crooked and has more bumps than South Carolina roads, but it's worth it. Remember that you were made to succeed, prosper and achieve the best. You deserve every dream that your heart yearns for. Those sleepless nights where you've contemplated the path that you're on is coming to an end. The sleepless nights you've had where you've studied hours on hours... They're going to make you into something great.

Many times I question if I am good enough to go on the path that I seek to travel. The truth is, I'm not good enough. I'm better. I'm magnificent and so are you. One day you'll look back on these nights, those trials, those tears, and think to yourself: I made it. Not only did you make it, you proved to many the path is attainable. You've proved to the people that have doubted you that your words were facts. Yes, you might feel down, but continue to push and stick around.

Always keep in mind your vision. Constantly envision yourself in that dream job, driving that dream car, making the difference and the imprint that you want to make in this world. Remind yourself that you're shooting for the stars. But that in shooting for the stars, it is okay to land on the moon. It's okay to miss and stumble along the path. Those bumps, ridges, and cracks make the journey a journey itself. It makes a story that you'll be able to tell for a lifetime. So embrace the trials and the tribulations that present itself. View them as blocks that are slowly building you into the person you were always meant to be and eventually will become.

My mother always told me that anything worth having won't come easy. Remind yourself that you have already conquered so much in getting this far. But in order to conquer the world, you must experience ups and downs. To my fellow distressed, depressed, hopeless, hurt, tired college student, you are going to be great. The plan that is for your life cannot be deterred or changed by anyone but you. So, what's it going to be? Will you be successful or will you succumb to your sadness? I've made my choice.

So, to my fellow college student... See you at the top... Or from the top.