This is one of the most important, yet least understood word in the English language.

Perspective is your outlook on something, and how you choose to feel about it.

Just got rear-ended? You can decide that you are going to let it ruin your week, or use it as a lesson on how to deal with a car accident.

Failed a class? You can decide that you are going to cry and let it ruin your future, or use it as motivation to work harder next semester.

The point is, a situation can only be as bad as you perceive it to be.

A failing grade affects every student differently. One student brushes it off and starts studying for the next. Another student may have a mental breakdown and cry about it for weeks. And you may think that student is "overreacting", because that is not the reaction you would have.

Overreacting is an extremely subjective word. What you perceive as "overreacting" is definitely not the same as the person next to you. It is unfair to label someone's emotions based on how you would handle a situation.

Everyone is allowed to feel whatever they need to feel.

The most important lesson that college has taught me is the power of perspective, and how it varies from person to person. Personally, I try to use perspective to cultivate a positive outlook on every situation. Sometimes I fall short, and that's okay. It is okay to cry. It is okay to feel sorry for yourself.

But, when you master the art of giving every situation a positive outlook, every day becomes a good day.