This semester has raced by for me. It is now finals week, and I can barely remember the first week of school (which makes me a little nostalgic). I find myself cramming everything in my final week left in the semester, like most. As well as my busy academic schedule, I thought it would be a good idea to also work the majority of the week. Somehow, I am managing. But is managing enough? I sure hope so.
I know myself, and I know a part of me would feel guilty if I didn’t fill my schedule. But, sometimes when I glance at my schedule I wonder who planned it all . .. surprise; it’s me. Then, when I get out of work I know I have two things waiting for me: homework and my eager friends who want to have fun. One of those things seems like the more obvious answer. And recently, I’ve been picking the more obvious answer. Though, I don’t feel guilty for picking them since I’m close to my final semester and know I will cherish those moments way more than the memory of myself in a corner of the library at 11 p.m. There is also a huge impact of maintaining a poor work-life-school balance. I wake up the next day and am hesitant to look at my schedule and look at what I didn’t complete because of my choices. But, I have a flashback to the countless times throughout college where I picked the late library nights. So, I think I will continue the back and forth battle, at least for this week and the following week. Somehow it has been working. I complete all my work, even if stress is a common factor, and I get to have a social life with the individuals I cherish.
If you’re feeling as though you’re the only student or employee feeling this way, I promise you’re not. This past week I’ve had conversations with multiple roommates, coworkers and friends about how we feel like we’re drowning in ceaseless tasks. Sometimes you have to shuffle your priorities and sometimes you have to cut yourself some slack. Don’t forget to add things that bring joy in your schedule. Before you know it, you will have a whole new schedule and will have to learn to balance that one the best you can too. Us college students should feel blessed that we have a break around the corner, because in a real work schedule, there isn’t always one planned. With that being said, I simply try my best and try to benefit myself the most. Keep track of your day, but plan time for yourself to be alone, in solace, where you can gather your thoughts instead of reading what you need to do. And if you don’t complete what’s on your list or agenda, tomorrow is another day. I’ve realized my past college years have acted as a trial and error for how I manage my time, and understanding what works best for you makes all the difference.