Long hours. Hectic schedules. Sleepless nights. Headaches.

You’ve been living this way for quite some time now, and you’ve grown tired of all that has become of your life. The fun, the spark, the light that shines bright has all left and you just want it back. I’m speaking of the current, probably most significant engagement you’ve committed yourself to in your life as of now: your marriage.

Yes, marriage. School is like a marriage, or a partnership, if you will. It is the marriage you immersed yourself in when you first began going school, and it has continued into college.

For as long as you can probably remember, you’ve been in school. In the beginning, everything was much simpler. The biggest decision then was probably when you would take your nap. It was like the best time ever. Snacks, juice boxes, naptime, recess—ah, I’m getting nostalgic just thinking about it.

It’s as if everything you once knew and loved about school has flipped and done a 180 on you. No longer can you just show up and play Double Dutch or get an A merely for trying. Now you must constantly apply and prove yourself through hard work and dedication. It is at this point where you may begin to question your decision to stay as long as you have.

Sure, there are times where you can’t fathom ever having made another decision; this is usually once you’ve enjoyed the comforts of all school has to offer after the storm has passed. Though it’s been a long haul, you just simply cannot call it quits. Divorce is not an option.

I can recall countless times where I’ve found myself wanting to end this marriage that I have committed myself to. Lollipops and unicorns are what I wanted, but instead I often just get tarts and dragons. Day in and day out, it is the same old thing, almost never bringing on anything new. It is here where I want nothing more than to be rid of the turbulence and to be back in familiar territory that doesn’t play tug-of-war with my emotions.

Though, even in knowing this, it always comes back to the same initial argument: The one which links your unhappiness deriving from the tough workload to your perseverance in not giving up. All the homework, not allowing you to sleep, waking you up early and sometimes the uncertainty of your grades can be just too much in the scheme of things.

Despite these ups and downs, the good times and the history you have helps you to continue on. The two serve as the reminder and incentive ensuring you and education never part ways.

Ultimately, you know you need school’s guidance, its knowledge and its assistance in helping you to soar high and low in search of your goals; grasp them and achieve all you’ve ever dreamed of.

Your success is contingent upon upholding this marriage. That in itself is enough to keep you going and the relationship from ever going astray.