If I were to give advice to a first year student , I would not know what to say to them. I am struggling with dropping out and I'm three years deep in this venture. So it is hard for me to come up with valid advice for students that are just getting started. I would hope for each of them that they do not encounter all the hardships and obstacles that I have first of all, even though I am at the point of surrender. I would try to give them hope and encourage them to persevere. I would tell them when they are at the point that I am at, take a moment, step back and regroup. Don't give up, life is almost never fair, but you are not the only one that has difficulties and hardships. I myself am very frustrated and discouraged, but I am too stubborn to give up. As much as it is difficult, so are the greatness of the rewards to come. I can do this, and so can the rest of you.