It was nice to have a month-long break from school, but now it’s crunch time.

I have been under the impression that I would graduate this May, but it seems as though my GPA is a bit low and I may not be able to raise it high enough by May.

When I found this out, I was of course disappointed.

I graduated high school in 2013 and started college that fall.

Seven years later, I still do not have a bachelor’s degree.

I have no one to blame but myself.

I have never taken school that seriously, and I have screwed around and partied in my past rather than actually sit down and read a textbook.

I decided that I have to accept the fact that graduation may not occur for me in May, but I do not have to accept that it won’t happen.

I made the decision that I am going to work harder than I ever have before this semester.

I plan to take a certain amount of time each day to sit down, read my textbooks, take notes and study.

My parents sat down with me and explained that it’s been seven years and I can’t fool around anymore.

To say I am nervous is a complete understatement. I am petrified.

I’m ashamed to admit that I have never really put school as a top priority.

Knowing that I have to work extra hard this semester does scare me because I do not know what to expect.

If worse comes to worse, and my GPA isn’t raised high enough by May, then I guess I will have to either take summer classes or fall classes.

I hope to God that I can finish this semester as I plan to get a decent job and start my journalism career.

I have faith that I can do it, and I have to remind myself each day that it is possible to get better grades than I have gotten in the past. I just have to put forth the effort, limit my leisure time and study more than I ever have in my lifetime.

Most of you have always worked this hard, and you are probably reading this column thinking I am some spoiled brat who has never had to do any hard work. You also probably think that it’s only fair that I do not graduate in May, as I have not been the best student.

I can understand your viewpoint.

I have taken for granted so many things in my life, and this includes the ability to get a good education.

From now on, I have promised myself that I cannot take this for granted any longer.

I have to work to get what I want, and I have to appreciate and be grateful for the fact that I even have the opportunity to be here.

Andrew Paisley is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or at abpaisley@eiu.edu.