I cannot count how many times I have read an article, status, or tweet about how grades do not define a person or their intelligence. That just because they fail a class or screw up an exam doesn't mean that they are worthless. I've even seen some go as far as to say your GPA doesn't matter and grades are just some formality, employing my favorite line: "Grades do not determine intelligence, they test obedience." As if only conforming, "teacher's pet" types of students are destined to do well.

We're getting into the slump of spring semester. Spring break is over, but we still have a seemingly endless stretch of work to do and finals to tackle. It's getting to the point where it's easy to convince yourself that none of this really means anything, anyway (and quite possibly formulate an existential argument of "is any of this even real, anyway? Trust me, I've been there), and that these grades don't really mean anything in the long run.

I am not always the greatest student. Not everything comes easy to me. I've had to spend long nights in the library, and I have stressed myself sick over several assignments. I've resolved in myself, though, that it is majorly important to keep up because my grades in college matter now more than they ever have before.

Your grades do not define you, but they matter. Sure, mistakes are bound to happen. You are not going to ace every test. You are not going to write a killer paper every time. However, the idea that your grades do not matter in the long run because they do not define you is incredibly misguided.

Some companies will not even accept an application from you if you do not have a certain GPA (Disney and GM, for example, require 3.0+ GPA to even apply for professional internships and some entry-level jobs). Employers will consider your GPA during fierce competitions for employment. Oftentimes your chances of getting into graduate programs ride on your GPA. Making the grade in your classes is imperative to success in your field upon graduation (while C's do get degrees, they do not get valuable and withstanding knowledge). Even still, grades are so much more than an asset to your resume.

While the numerical values on a piece of paper do not show who you are, the perseverance, problem-solving skills, self-love, and confidence that come with success do. Believing in yourself and pushing through defines who you are, and your grades are just a reflection of these qualities. So much effort and parts of who you are have been poured into your education. Don't you want a shining record of determination to show for it?

I believe in you. Let's do this.