Often times, I feel myself questioning my academic values. Every time I mention my major to someone, the comments are always "Ooooo", or "Wow that must be difficult!". It is difficult, but I knew I was up for the challenge the moment I moved all my belongings into my dorm. I had to condition my mind to be successful, and with that came social consequences.

You won't catch me at the hottest parties and get togethers, I'll be in my room studying. You won't see me enjoying the half price wings at Bdubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, i'll be preparing for work and planning events for the club that I am over. Am I unhappy? Of course not, but I'm not your average college student.

"It will all pay off Cheyenne", is what I tell myself everyday, but there is always that lingering feeling of doubt that my best will not be "the best" to society. What if all this hard work profits me none, and I become that college graduate who does nothing pertaining to the profession that they picked to study? There are millions of Americans in my position who work just as much as I do, maybe even more. What if my dream job has to choose between me and someone who is better than me in their eyes? Am I just out of luck from there?

The answer is NO. No matter how many doors shut in my face, new ones will always open. No matter how hard life gets, it only gets better as I adjust to it. Giving up is not an option for me, and doubting my value only increases my chances of failure. Besides, if I was not intelligent, I would not be in upper level courses, or have the grade point average that I have obtained thus far.

If you ever find yourself doubting your abilities, look to where you were, then look to where you are now. If there is progress, there is potential for greatness. Never look for the approval of others since opinions are subjective. Look for contentment within yourself because you are your biggest critic.

"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

- Stephen King