My first semester of sophomore year last fall was a huge transition, one I was not expecting since I was so used to the way things were freshman year. I had on my shoulders not only more challenging classes but more responsibilities and leadership roles that I had to take on. Some other things had changed also. Some of my friends were not there in the fall, my close friends from freshman year and I were all split up and in different dorms, and I did not have as much free time as I did the previous year. Yes, you could say it was a pretty big transition for me to get used to, and I panicked. On top of it all, I was trying to get a club sports team started at my school, and although I expected things to get challenging, it hit me hard. There was a time where all the sudden everything with trying to get the team started seemed to be going wrong. Some people backed out, money and funds became an issue, and I felt completely helpless.

But one day in October I experienced a powerful moment in my life that I would never forget. It was one of those days where everything seemed to be going wrong, and at the time it felt as though everyone only had bad news to tell me regarding the team. One last set of bad news came to me and that set it off. I remember going into my shower to be alone and I cried big time. Feelings of self-doubt and hopelessness took over, and I recall repeatedly saying to God, "There is no point to this. I can't do it, what if it's all wasted time and effort? I'm not strong enough, I'm not strong enough." But in that moment all I heard Him say back to me was, "Yes you can, you are strong enough."

That was a moment I would never forget because it refueled me with the necessary virtues I needed, especially patience and fortitude. I cannot explain how exactly, but after saying a prayer afterward it brought me more peace. A phrase someone once told me after this event was that God does not give you more than what you can handle. What's awfully ironic is that after I decided to write my article this week on this specific topic, I've had a really hard week myself. I was a little under the weather this week, but with two jobs I still had to get to I had to just toughen up a little and get through them. Of course, this was only temporary and I'll be getting a day off soon, but in the mean time for the next few days that I am working I have not had time to relax. All in all, it has been one of those weeks where everything seems to be going wrong, and I haven't had one of those in awhile. It reminded me of that powerful moment last fall when I was feeling so hopeless and was at the brink of self-destruction. All I could do to get through this week was to take a few deep breaths and pray for the strength to endure it.

So, from all of this I have a letter for you:

Yes, you are strong enough. Please don't ever think otherwise or let anyone else tell you differently. That goal you're trying to reach, you can reach it. Having personal problems that are hard and seem hopeless? You are strong enough to make it through. If you are struggling with addictions or someone is bullying you, then remember that evil never has the upper hand. The strength you need is there, it has already been given to you. Sometimes we do not see the potential in ourselves and since we know our own weaknesses, it is hard to believe the things we are capable of accomplishing. Remember that some kind of good always comes out of a tough situation. In my life I have learned this over and over again because God does not abandon us. He is love and wants what is best for us. He may take away only to give you something better because He loves us so much. Let challenges be your motivation, because if they don't challenge you then they don't really change you. You are strong enough. This pain is temporary, the struggle does not stick around forever. You have been given the necessary strength to endure it. You will conquer it. Do not ever underestimate your abilities to change the world. You are not weak, you were made for greatness, let that be enough. Now go change the world, we need you out there!