Before I delve into the lessons learned, I need to pause and give myself some credit. It's easy to achieve things and forget to acknowledge them. I urge you to do the same — take a moment, look back on all you've accomplished, and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You've done remarkably well this year, and I'm genuinely proud of you!

If you're enrolled in an in-person program, which I highly recommend if it's feasible, try to connect with your classmates as soon as you can. For me, getting to know my classmates right from the start, even before orientation, made a huge difference—I never felt alone. Building a solid circle of friends within my program, knowing I could turn to them for assistance or simply to vent, was incredibly reassuring. I'm truly thankful to each one of them for contributing to a successful first semester. 

It could be jotting down lecture highlights, condensing readings, or recording thoughts from discussions. Those notes became my compass, my go-to resource (GTR) when gearing up for exams, tackling projects, or delving into complex concepts. They weren't mere scribbles on paper or an iPad; they were my invaluable repository of knowledge.  

This really connects with a quote my dad shared years ago, one I've come to live by: "Life isn't hard. We make it hard." It's subjective, but despite the challenges, I've discovered that using a planner—be it physical or digital—keeping up with assignments, and managing my time effectively helped me avoid that overwhelming feeling with coursework. Even while working full-time and attending evening classes, I scheduled weekend readings, dedicated time for studying, and finished all five projects ahead of schedule. 

I've come to understand that offering my utmost is always enough, even in the midst of the pressure and the constant drive for perfection. It's been a realization that aiming for my personal best is not just sufficient but incredibly valuable. Amidst the expectations, it's about finding my own standard of excellence, one that's grounded in embracing the journey rather than just fixating on the destination. It's about recognizing the sheer effort poured into every endeavor and understanding that this path I'm on is as much about personal growth, resilience, and learning as it is about achieving specific milestones. This mindset shift has allowed me to appreciate the journey's nuances and the wisdom gained through the process of striving for my best.

It might seem obvious, but truthfully, prioritizing time for myself and my loved ones turned out to be the most valuable choice. Whether it was outshining my younger brothers in Nintendo Switch Just Dance battles, engaging in lengthy debates with my father, cooking alongside my mother, studying with my best friend at Panera Bread on Saturdays, or even facetiming my incredibly sharp younger older brother, each of those moments played a huge role in keeping me grounded and feeling supported. Don't forget, taking breaks is essential!