As a junior in college, I have certainly come to learn what hard work is. I am a business major and have had to tackle incredibly hard classes (for me), such as Accounting 2 and Calculus. On top of that, I recently declared a second minor, and take extra classes each semester. Last but not least, my position as Editor in Chief for UNC Charlotte's Odyssey requires me to manage a team of 30 students and write articles each week. So, naturally, I decided to get an additional part-time job at our local Food Lion, where I am one of five customer service leads. Over the last few weeks, my two jobs and courseload have become a ton of work.

Everyone knows that college is going to be insane when they're going in. We expect all-nighters and the three-hour-long classes. But, we don't always think about 18 hours of classes, plus 20 hours of work. Or making time to clean our apartments and do the laundry. Or finding a way to cook dinner every night even though we've been standing for eight hours straight. Or having the time to go visit our family and significant others.

Don't forget to add insane amounts of stress to accompany the work and transition that comes with college life. It isn't for everyone, and often feels like you won't be able to pull yourself through, but after a test, at the end of the semester, or at the end of the four years, you will be glad you put in so much work. Your effort and hard work helps to build your character. Without giving everything you have for the one thing you want, you can never be successful, because you won't be able to truly know the value of your hard work.

Although I feel like I'm falling behind almost daily, I make a point to look back at all I have accomplished. All of the volunteer work, the extra shifts, and the classes I struggled in just to make a C, they have all helped me develop tremendously in college. Even if school isn't the path you choose, make sure you decide to do something that requires you to give your all. By doing so, you will find yourself and create yourself at the same time.