It is always around this time of year that I begin to wonder if I really have another semester in me. Finals are in full swing, I’ve studied like crazy, and feel totally drained. This year I took a lot of USU Grad photos for various students some mothers, soon to be mothers, wives, etc. Each one has inspired and strengthened me. They too have juggled and struggled to get to where they are today! They reminded me that anything is possible and we can achieve whatever we set our minds to!

Growing up school never came naturally or easy for me…. I had to work extremely hard to get a B where some of my friends coasted by and rocked the A’s. Fast forward to college and my first semester I was getting ready to go on a mission, struggling, and my grades were TERRIBLE. After coming home early I rushed right into school. I was desperate to throw myself into something and school seemed like the best thing.

A few short weeks after returning home I was in a new town and a new school trying to put back the pieces of my life. However, I had underestimated the mental blow I took from coming home early and it took a toll. I couldn’t take many credits those two semesters as I struggled with anxiety and focused most of my attention on managing that. Fast forward two years and I finally found a major that I love and have the best grades of my life but I was still worried I might fall short this semester.

I had to get a certain GPA to get into my program and graduate next spring. I would have to get almost all A’s and do REALLY well in STAT’s which I am terrible at. It all came down to my last STAT’s test that was over the whole semester. I had to do a really REALLY good job on the exam despite having awesome grades. I prepped as much as I possibly could and spent 8 hours one day in the tutor center haha. Last night I got the notification that my test score was back! I was terrified and couldn’t look haha! I had Hudson check for me and guys I did GREAT! A whole 20 points better than the class average and got the grade and GPA needed to be accepted into my major and start my classes!!! 

Education can be hard and there are many times that we want to give up. We are not alone on this journey and there is strength to be found in those around us! I am grateful for the people I have met over the past few weeks! I am so happy for them as they get their diplomas today and can celebrate the achievements they have accomplished! Thank you for inspiring me! I can’t wait for the day I get my diploma too! 

XO

KYLEE OLIVIA