Schoolwork is stressful, and when you factor in personal problems, your grades and mental health can start slipping away.

I’ve had bad weeks, but this one topped them all.

I was about to take a test that I didn’t study for, I had just received a $25 parking ticket and my grandfather had just passed away. You can imagine that the last thing I wanted to deal with was someone from a past relationship bothering me and calling my phone non-stop from a private number. All of these problems at the same time weren’t helping me focus and I needed to change it.

Although I was stressed out, I knew failing wasn’t an option. College isn’t cheap, and I’m not paying all this money to fail my classes. So I did what I once learned in a public speaking class, and that was to take all those stressful emotions and transfer them into something productive such as taking my exam and getting a good grade.

In short, I needed to concentrate.

Certain things happen that we can’t control, but we shouldn’t let it affect our schoolwork and long-term goals. Even though my week was getting out of hand, I wanted to create one good positive thing, and that was going to be acing my exam.

As the saying goes, “everything happens for a reason,” but when there seems to be nothing but bad luck coming your way it’s hard to find that reason. That doesn’t mean we should just give up and forget everything we’ve been working hard to accomplish.

If you feel as if you’re in a situation that seems impossible to get out of, odds are there can always be someone to help you through it.  You shouldn’t think that there is no one to help you out when life becomes stressful. Just take a look on campus. There are plenty of resources and guidance counselors available for that very reason.  I’m not saying you have to go to a counselor every week, but sometimes it’s nice to talk to someone about any issues going on in your life that you feel is affecting your classes.

Also, if a student on campus is making you feel uncomfortable, speak to the University Police Department, and let them know what’s going on. They are more then willing to make sure you feel safe at school.

Your college years are an important time. After all the hard work I put into my classes, I couldn’t give up. In the end I would say that it’s made me a stronger person. Life isn’t always going to be easy. Stay positive and focus, because when you walk across that stage and receive your degree you will know that everything was worth it.

On a side note, I no longer get private phone calls and I received an A on that exam.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @saraminks