Krystale Mazur

English 250/260

The Balancing Act

          Many college students nowadays are faced with difficult challenges; however not all of these are just because of school. A lot of students have to try and balance both school, work and on top of that a social life. Exactly how is one supposed to balance all of these aspects out? Well, there’s actually many different ways to try and make it work.  Although it may be extremely hard at times, if you just try and stick to a set schedule, you can easily balance all of these important aspects out.

         First let’s start with the complications of college. Face it, teachers love to give homework. That’s what they enjoy doing. They may do it because they care about us, but the reality of it is they give us a whole lot! If you’re not interested in the topic then odds are you’re not going to be too happy about the homework assignment either. Honestly, the more bored you are with school, the less you enthusiastic you are about learning.

       Being a full time college student myself, I have a few tips to make this aspect of school a bit smoother. Even if you don’t enjoy the subject, do yourself a favor and at least try! You are here at Gavilan College for a reason. There are some ways to actually get involved and interested in what you’re learning. Depending on what your learning style is, you can make use of the things that help you learn. I personally am a tactile and kinesthetic learner. I am a hands on kind of girl. If we are doing something super boring in class then all I do is make sure my learning environment suites my needs. For example, I enjoy having a tasty snack with me in class because it makes me feel more comfortable, like I’m right at home or something. If I feel like I am getting frustrated or antsy, then I just get up and take a break.

      It is important to recognize what makes you comfortable while in class. Whether it be food, group discussions, lectures, or games. This way you know how to apply it at least to your own tasks.

       The next Challenge students may face is work. I know a lot of other students who work on top of going to school, and trust me it is no walk in the park. After leaving a stressful day at school, you have to go straight to work. Here comes your boss with a million different things you must do before you leave, when all you can think about is your next big essay coming up. Ah, here is where some more stress kicks in.

      I face challenges like this everyday. I am the assistant manager at my job, and I have a huge responsibility there. I can’t afford to slip up because I don’t want to risk getting fired. Of course, I need my job because without it then I can’t pay my bills, and if I can’t pay my bills then I will have nowhere to go! These are just some of the worries that cross my mind on a daily basis.

      Another problem with mixing school and work is the fact that you might want to be focusing more time on school, but you can’t because you have to work full time. Well, here’s my theory. There comes a time in everybody’s life when you have to just suck it up, and try your hardest. If you try hard, then it will eventually pay off in the end. You need to work hard in order to play hard. If you’re like me and you have to work full time then I suggest you go meet with a counselor. My counselor set me up for as many days a week as possible before and after work. That includes days off. I have been attending school on my days off in order to just hurry up and get it done. Going only one day a week would take me too long. Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes I work so hard that I just want to collapse. I manage to find ways to make it work though!

            According to Deb Smith, a member of the Gavilan College Board of Trustees, you should get your educational plan set up with a counselor. That way you know exactly where you want to be going and what you need to do. She also suggests sitting in the front row of the classroom. That way you can get to know both your fellow classmates and your instructor. It will help you pay more attention, and help you stay focused. In the words of Deb Smith, “There is never a dumb question!” Always make sure that you are clear on what needs to be done. One of the most important things you can do to become a successful student here at Gavilan is to get a day planner! These things can really help you out, and help you not to forget what’s going on.              

             Next, schedule yourself to work straight after school. This way you can probably accumulate enough hours to take a regular day off during the week, where you don’t have to go to school or work. This means that you might be at school from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 at night, and then work until 10:00 at night, but it really is worth it to have a day off to do nothing.

         The final problem that students face today is probably one of the hardest ones to deal with. That problem is: maintaining your social life. College is a time where most people just want to get away, and have a good time. Being around so many people and activities could get really hectic. All of your friends are going out to go have dinner and a movie, and you have to stay home and study. You have no spare time for fun right? Well, actually I think that’s wrong. There are ways to make time for fun. You have to really be committed though. You can’t be too lazy, otherwise you won’t commit. Try to get some homework done right away, like right when you get home from work or school. Not all of your homework, but just some. Trust me a little goes a long way when the end of the week shows up. If you get little by little done at a time then, you have less to do in the long run and you still know what needs to be done. I suggest doing the hard stuff first, or at least getting it started. For example, if you have a major essay due, think about clever ways to start off your paper while at work or driving in your car. Then, when you get home sit down and start off your paper, that way you at least have it started. The introduction and conclusion are usually the hardest parts so just like that you’ve got some of it out of the way. Now go enjoy a move with some friends.

         Balancing all of these can sometimes seem so far out of reach, but trust me if you just try then you might truly amaze yourself. Here are some helpful hints to live by when you’re a full time worker/college student trying to maintain a social life.

        While you’re at school it is a good idea to try and get to know your fellow class mates. This way you don’t feel uncomfortable asking questions if you get confused. A lot of students may feel embarrassed to ask questions because they don’t want to feel stupid. Just remember that you are in college to focus on your education, not them.

        In the book Emotional Intelligence, the author Daniel Goleman explains how important it is to be able to handle yourself socially. Even if you are academically smart, you still need to be able to apply your social skills. They are very important. Goleman stats in his book, “People with well developed emotional skills are also more likely to be content and effective in their lives. Mastering the habits of mind that foster their own productivity; people who cannot marshal some control over their emotional life fight inner battles that sabotage their ability for focused work and clear thought.” (36). Ask your teacher questions frequently, and always make sure that you are clear on the subject. Otherwise you might just go home and have no one to turn to or ask questions. Make sure that you organize your school work as much as possible. This way you know where exactly to find your homework or any handout you may need to look back on. Also, you should always make an effort to attend class regularly. This way you won’t be behind on any subjects.

       Whenever you need to go to work, but still have some homework to get done, you can always just take some of your homework to work with you. Get some done a little bit at a time by studying on your breaks or lunch. If you know what you want to do as a career, then you will see your goal and want to achieve it much more. It is important to stay active at work, but don’t let it come before school.

       As far as social life goes, it all falls into place only if you are getting school work done little by little. Don’t make the mistake of letting your social life come first because then you will probably end up just having to retake the course. Who wants to do that? Keep track of what you have already got done, and what still needs to be done. Think about how much time it will take you, and go off of that. This way you will know if you have time to go out with your friends. You don’t want to focus too much or too little on any of these aspects. Just remember to stay focused, and keep your ultimate goal in mind.

         Although student life and stress management is a difficult task to overcome, if you just try it will only make it that much better in the long run. You will appreciate all of your hard work so much more. So whenever you feel like giving up, remember this: “Success isn’t given, it’s earned.”