I had no idea how hard nursing school was actually going to be when I first started out. My first week of school I was already drowning. I remember looking at my syllabus and seeing a quiz or test on almost every day we had class and wanting to cry. And honestly, I think I have cried at least once a week since the beginning. If you ever want to know what it feels like to be in nursing school it feels like being stressed 24/7. I even stress out about school in my dreams. It isn't all stressful though, especially when you meet your new friends for the next two years.

You know when you meet someone and you just - click? I remember looking at everyone at school and thinking "okay, who could I be friends with?" I know, how grade school of me, but I knew I was not going to make it through this class without someone by my side. I have an awesome boyfriend who helps me study and always talks some sense into me when I say I am done with nursing. But, I don't think he really understands how hard it actually is. I don't think anyone understands how hard it is unless you have been through it - or are going through it.

Imagine taking a test where there is literally two correct answers but you have to pick only one. Orrr taking a test that literally half the test is select all that apply. And if you don't mark one of them, you miss the whole question. It does not matter how long I study, I usually walk out of tests and my brain hurts. The information (so far) is not the hard part. It is the way the questions are worded, most of the time I am like, "What is this even asking??". With that being said, I am so grateful to go to a school that helps prepare us so well for the NCLEX.

That's why I am so thankful for my new friend, Maddison.Any time I am feeling down or feel like I can't do this anymore, she is my go to girl. Or anytime I am excited or confident that I CAN (and will) do this, she is my go to girl. She is the first person I text when I find out my grade - and whether I passed or failed, she is there for me with the right words. Just as I am always there for her.

As finals quickly approach us, I am feeling even more overwhelmed than usual. I know the exact amount of points I can miss on my final to still receive an 80% in the class. I mean, obviously, I am going to aim for higher than a C. But the saying "C's get degrees" has never been more true. I think I have about 500 notecards for finals this week - sad thing is I am not even sure if that is being dramatic. I already know on the day of the final we will be showing each other notecards making sure we know everything we need to know.

We hold each other accountable and make sure we are studying. We meet before class on quiz and test days to go over the material and we both always have something to throw out on the table. We push each other to do the absolute best that we can because we both know that some day, we are going to be great nurses.

Another reason nursing school friends are so important is because helllooooo??? How cute and comfy are scrubs and how cute is a picture of you and your bestie wearing scrubs.

My nursing school friend is definitely not just a nursing school friend, she has turned into my best friend. We, believe it or not, have a life outside of school, even though it is very small. We talk about literally anything and everything. It feels so good to have someone I can vent to that will actually understand about school one second and the next second be talking about makeup. And, as soon as school is out, we will be hanging out doing things other than studying!

Happy Finals Week, ya'll.