Northwestern College’s motto is “Stand Out.” And how do we stand out? In community, of course. Students are encouraged to participate in the many activities that NW offers. And while it is amazing that NW offers so many opportunities, some people try to do everything all at once and others never reach for the opportunities. Time-management, especially as a college student, can be tricky.
Alexandra Bryant, a senior biology health professions (pre-M
med) major, recognizes that it is difficult to find that balance, especially with her major. “Pre-Med majors need to balance a good GPA, good MCAT scores, patient-care hours, volunteer hours, research experience and letters of recommendation from professors, academic advisors, physicians and leaders in extracurriculars,” Bryant said. “And you are supposed to have interesting things to talk about in your interview as well! Crazy. And have a personality to show you’d be a caring physician.”
Even with a busy schedule, you have to know your limits. “I took a semester off to regroup before completing my degree,” Bryant said. “I realized I was somehow operating while burnt out for the past two years.”
When feeling overwhelmed by assignments or tasks, Bryant recommends taking breaks when needed. “Take a moment and breath and assess what you need – physically and emotionally,” Bryant said. “If I am feeling overwhelmed by studying, I will take a breath and think about what I need to do. Do I need to just finish my assignment and celebrate later? Am I feeling stuck, and do I need to grab a treat or go on a walk before continuing? Do I have a lot of thoughts on my mind that I need to write down so I can focus on the task at hand? Things like that.”
Schedules are great way organize your time. “One of the most helpful things I learned my sophomore year while I was a D-Group leader and in Organic Chemistry is that if I want to spend time with friends, I needed to schedule it – so now I always schedule my social time,” Bryant said. “Now, my calendar operates as a visual representation of my work-life balance.”
Junior elementary education major Mandi Rist also keeps a schedule. “I make sure to keep a schedule of all my priorities and responsibilities, as well as leave enough time to spend with people,” Rist said.
While schoolwork is an important part of college, spending time with friends is necessary for a healthy social life. “With whatever I am doing, I try to be invested in what that thing is,” junior elementary education major Ally Ringsby said. “If I need to focus on homework, I will invest my time in that. If I am with my friends, I will try to be present with them.”
With so many amazing opportunities available to students, it is easy to wonder how you can best spend your time. However, it can also be easy to burn out and the fear of missing out (FOMO) while trying to do everything. “I attempt to balance my life by not overcommitting to opportunities on campus or being afraid of missing out,” senior social studies teaching major Morgan Van Bruggen said. “Think logically about what you have the time, space, and energy to do.”
As humans, time is finite. As much as one would love to do everything offered and asked of us, it is impossible to do. That is why it is important to say “no.” “Saying ‘no’ to something allows you to give 100% to those you said ‘yes’ to,” Rist said.
According to Mental Health America (MHA), college can be the first taste of independence for some people. They need to learn how to do basic needs (such as eating a healthy diet, exercise, and socializing) without the assistance of others. “Instead of shifting away from basic healthy practices, try to find strategies to use your time most effectively,” The MHA website says, “This could include learning to say no to new commitments and blocking time specifically for taking care of yourself.”
