For all you students out there.

Well, it's that time of year. What time of year, you ask? Oh, the time of year where the sun goes behind the clouds often, the weather gets cold enough for coats and boots, and we've been in school for a long time with no break and no break in the easily foreseeable future. This is the "IhavesomuchhomeworkIwanttodiebecauseIhavenobreakeither" time of year.

You know what I'm talking about.

I myself have been suffering from this particular occurrence. I have found it difficult to want to continue to write papers, study for tests, and go to classes that I am having trouble paying attention in. I have often found my school load, combined with my life load, overwhelming, and all I want to do is sleep in in my cozy warm bed, get up, stay in my pajamas and spend time with my favorite blanket and book.

This, however, must wait for the weekends. Maybe.

I am here to offer you encouragement, though. This is my rough survival guide for this "Kill me" time of year. First off, remember why you're at college. I don't actually need to be at college so I can gain money making ability. I already have that ability as a certified massage therapist. So why am I at college? Because I like to learn, and because that learning is refining me. I kinda thought that idea was merely to be inspiring and motivational, but it's true. I am a better, classier woman because of my education, and shouldn't I be proud of that? A college degree is an accomplishment to be proud of (so is a family, however).  Remember why you're at college.

Second, the Lord will bless you for your efforts and provide ways for the impossible to be accomplished. We have been encouraged by our prophets to get as much education as we can. You're following the prophet! Therefore, you're following the Lord. Therefore, you can be confident in the fact that you are doing what you ought to be. And if you think you might need to be somewhere else, ask God and he will tell you. But in the meantime, if you study for that test, God will help you remember what you studied.

Third, If you're about to blow up because of your classes  (and even if you're not), TAKE A BREAK. This is allowable and even encouraged. Education is not learned just in the classroom. Allow yourself other opportunities for learning things that perhaps you wouldn't learn in class. Take breaks. Drink cider, love your friends, see a movie. Read a good book. Really. Recreation and relaxation is just as important to getting good grades as is studying.

Fourth, listen to your favorite music often. Music gets your energy up and your brain thinking positively; it's even better if you sing out loud. You may even want to dance. I encourage you to do so. Music is wonderful and good and great. So send that stuff through your ears!

Lastly, remember that there is at (the very) least one person on this earth who is cheering and rooting for you and who is so proud that you are where you are, be it your parents, one parent, your God, a sibling, a grandparent, yourself, a best friend, a sweetheart. There is always someone out there cheering for you. So take courage, dear heart!

My fellow students. Rock socks.