Most people who know me would say that I have always been good at school, which is true, to a degree. I am someone who has managed to always have A's and B's in my classes, from the time I started public school to now as I am pursuing my higher education. That is not to say that I have not struggled with my classes though. I have spent many nights stressing over tests and assignments, believing that I was not good enough or smart enough to pursue the educational routes that I was doing. Despite this, I always pushed myself to do my best, which is why I took honors classes throughout middle school and high school, enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, and why I am not obtaining two undergraduate degrees. Despite all of this hard work, there are a few things that I have had to learn about myself. One of these things is that you must give yourself a break to do things that you enjoy. The other, always ask for help. It took me a while to understand that it was okay to take time to help yourself by giving yourself a break to enjoy things that you love, even if you are swamped in work. I used to always feel guilty about doing this so I would not take this time. Now that I am getting ready to go into my fifth year of my undergraduate to complete my second degree, since I am a double major, I have realized that not taking this time for yourself can cause you to experience burnout. I think this is something that everyone experiences, not just students. We all need to learn that it is alright to take some time for yourself. That in fact, this time that you take for yourself can help make your work even better. I love to read, crochet, watch tv, and forage. These are things that I try to take the time to do to give myself a needed break from the craziness that is life. Another thing that I have learned is that you should always ask for help. There is no shame in showing others that you do not understand something or that you need extra help. This is a great way to learn something new! Asking for help from my teachers, professors, friends, and parents has allowed me to get where I am. I have done better in school and I have learned my limits of what I can and cannot due on my own. By asking for help you also relieve some of the burden from yourself to make it something that is easier to carry. By both asking for help and taking time for yourself, you can make sure that your mental health is alright and that you are taking care of yourself. It is some of the best ways that you can make sure that you can enjoy the hard work that you have put in, whether that be in school or a job. Neither of these are things to be ashamed of.