Going back to school was not easy. In fact, it isn't getting any easier. Further, it's going to get tougher. I know that. I have taken the steps to ensure I can handle college both physically and emotionally. I believe college is the first step on the thousand step journey. It is my responsibility to do well. If that means staying up until 4 a.m. to study for finals because I had to work all weekend, then I'm glad I like coffee.

The great thing about college is that the semester is relatively short, even though there is a lot of information packed into each. Just when I thought I couldn't handle anymore new “stuff” the professors turned to review. When I couldn't even think about school work, the holiday break knocked on my door. I'm just now beginning to come out of that fog, and I have a few weeks left before the spring semester starts. I can't wait. I graduate this spring and will hopefully move on to a 4-year school to finish my teaching certification.

One thing parents, relatives, and friends need to know about their college-bound student. They need a little time after break starts to relax and take a breath. Sure they can help out around the house, or run errands. Just don't expect anything to be done too fast. At least not for the first week or so. Luckily this is right around the holiday season, so there may only be running to the store for this and that, or putting up whatever decorations are needed. That shouldn't be too taxing. Not much thought involved. Believe me, there's not much thought left right now. So make sure you send a list with them to the store, and no power tool use for at least a week.

As I said earlier, I can't wait to finish my time at Cayuga Community College, but at the same time I can't help feel a little sad. I have grown fond of the school and the staff I have had the privilege with which to work.

Some I only had classes with for one semester, others for most or all of my time at Cayuga. All will be with me as I go on to teach. Hopefully, I will be able to bring to my teaching some of the great techniques I have observed and will try to pass them on to the next crop in the field of education.

The life lessons learned at college are innumerable. From learning how to teach, to realizing that you can do this. From learning patience to learning how to endure. Coping with life's problems can be seen as relatively easy as compared to cramming for a big test. If you can get through that, then anything the world can throw at you does not seem as monstrous as it would normally. I'm not saying that there are problems out there that are harder to deal with than school, but for the majority out there having trouble dealing with their favorite coffee shop closing for a Christmas party, a few weeks in school may straighten out their perspective.

I hope that everyone has had and will continue to have a great holiday, whatever your belief, and carry that over for the new year.

Corey Duncan is an education major at Cayuga Community College