Ohio State nav bar

Skip to main content

The Ohio State University

  • Help
  • BuckeyeLink
  • Map
  • Find People
  • Webmail
  • Search Ohio State

Dennis Learning Center

STUDY SMARTER

College of Education and Human Ecology
  • About
    • About
    • DLC Team
    • Professional Affiliations
    • In the News
  • Courses
    • ESEPSY 1159: Online Learning Strategies and Skills
    • ESEPSY 1259: Learning and Motivation Strategies for College Success
    • ESEPSY 1359: Critical Thinking and Collaboration in Online Learning
    • EDUCST 1500: Student Tech for Academic Success
    • ESEPSY 2059: Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner (SpringForward)
    • ESEPSY 2060: Academic Success Strategies for International Students
    • EDUCST 5194: Theories and Methods in Academic Coaching
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Schedule a Coaching Appointment
      • Coaching Locations
    • Academic Coaches
      • Become an Academic Coach
  • Workshops
    • Workshops
    • Register for a Workshop
    • Request a Workshop
  • Grad/Prof Students
  • For Faculty & Staff
  • Resources
    • Study Tips
    • Handouts
    • Online Learning Tips
    • Getting Help at Ohio State
    • Campus Change
  • Research
    • Research
    • DLC Researchers
    • Publications and Presentations

From a Biology Major

May 17, 2017 by Lauren Hensley

Dear student,

You may already be aware of this, but college is a tough gig. There’s so much setting up for yourself that you have to do so that you’re able to get from point A to point B. Four years of setup, actually. You might have been used to other people helping you with the equipment you need to get you to the point where you need to go. But there’s work you need to do on your own before you can even be part of something bigger, before you even see the results, before anything life changing can happen.

But trust me, it is worth it when you are up on that stage and you’re surrounded by your closest friends, and everyone is cohesively working toward similar goals. Surround yourself with those people who you know will want the same goals as you, who want nothing but to see you and themselves succeed.

College is not all fun and games. Getting to that point of cohesion with college is not easy. There are so many factors that could go wrong: relationships fall through, you don’t like your major or professors, grades and GPA may plummet, you may get homesick, you may think that all these reasons are valid for hating college altogether. But finding the reasons for success, whether internal or external, are crucial. And that’s why it’s important to have your group of friends who are there for you, willing to help you succeed.

You create your own success. Put in the work and effort it takes to see the results you want to see, and even if you don’t get the results you want, do it differently, but definitely do it again. If it’s possible for anyone then it’ll be possible for you to achieve your goals, but definitely do not give in. Don’t give in to negative thoughts, negative people, negative events. You have to be persistent. You have to keep on breaking through the walls that are holding you back from seeing the other side. Because it is only when you break through your walls and obstacles that you can see the glory in the struggles. And not only will your friends be at your side to support you, you’ll get the support of others who want to see you continue to break through.

College is a tough gig.

But breaking through your walls are worth it once you go up on that stage. I promise.

Sincerely,

H. D. C.

Biology major

Filed Under: Letters, Student Resources

Primary Sidebar

Quicklinks

  • Enroll in a DLC Course
  • Request a custom workshop
  • Schedule a coaching session
  • Sign up for the DLC Newsletter
  • Workshops and Events

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Dennis Learning Center

250 Younkin Success Center
1640 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
(View Campus Map)

Contact us

Questions about our services? Email us at dlc@osu.edu
Questions about DLC Research? Email DLC Director of Research

Call the DLC: 614-247-0115
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Phone
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Hours of Operation

Mon-Thur 9:00am-7:00pm
Fri 9:00am-5:00pm

© 2025 Dennis Learning Center | The Ohio State University - College of Education and Human Ecology | Privacy Policy. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this site, please contact us for assistance via email at EHE-Accessibility@osu.edu.