By Jacob Ellis.

I hope everyone has had a great start to their semester. We’ve made it this far, so congratulations, Demons!

The work and attitude you put into your classes and your extracurricular activities now will determine the success for the rest of this semester. Part of being a Demon is to be dedicated to everything you put your mind to, whether that be your classes or your clubs and organizations.

I, as well as all of you, know the struggles of being a college student. There are deadlines and due dates, meetings and study groups, organizational activities and sports, and all the while, we’re still trying to find time to get at least a little sleep.

Like you all, I have spent the all-nighters studying for that big test. The nights I spent in the library talking and laughing with friends seemed to make the seemingly impossible test a bit more bearable. I have also struggled with the age-old dilemma: To binge on Netflix, or to do the homework that I have been procrastinating. Thank goodness someone invented coffee, which has saved me countless times.

I’m also thankful for the mountainous terrain that we call the Kyser Staircase for keeping me active when all I want to do is go take a nap. The struggles and stresses of college life can be daunting at times, but we, the students at Northwestern State University, are capable of accomplishing whatever we set our minds to. We just need to remember to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride we call college.

The experiences, the trials and tests you have here will prepare you for life beyond those Northwestern gates. One day, you will look back fondly on the memories you made at NSU. So get involved, study hard and remember that the faculty, staff and administration are dedicated to your success.