College is all about learning how to juggle the things that are important to you, whereas life is a balancing act. Between work, school, family, clubs, my health, and a social life, it's easy to fall off the tightrope. If even one of these variables starts to lose its place, it can be difficult to get everything back under control.

We are about half way through the semester, and everyone knows what that means: midterms. However, it also means we only have a month left until Thanksgiving, and less than two months until the end of the semester. When I'm struggling to do everything, I take a step back and look at all the things I'm working towards. Long term, this means a career, a life full of happiness and adventure, and maybe one day, a family. Short term though, it means my birthday, Christmas, a month off of school where I can see my friends and be stress-free.

Lately, I feel overwhelmed with two jobs, five classes (including two labs), clubs, and spending time with friends and family. We only have so many hours in a day, and balancing all of these things, or rather, trying to, leaves little time for sleep and me-time. Let's be honest, who doesn't need time for themself? You can try to trick yourself into thinking you don't need it, but eventually, it's all going to catch up to, which can leave you where I now find myself.

Anyone that knows me also knows that I am a master in the art of procrastination, although I wish I wasn't. I wish I could go back to my room and write a paper before the due date, go over it several times, go to my professor's office hours and ask for his opinion, etc. I just can't. I thrive on finishing and submitting the paper seven minutes before midnight. That sense of urgency pushes me when nothing else can and it's gotten me this far.

Now this week, I'm not sure this is my best method as I look at the three lab reports I have due, a research paper, and an exam, among other assignments and readings that are on my list. In fact, I know it's not. So I'm setting a goal for myself. I will work harder to prioritize so I don't find myself in this position again. If this means I have to stay in one weekend, that's the way it has to be. If it means telling my boss I need less hours, I can do that. I never want to feel so distressed again. I'm trying to live life to it's fullest everyday, but I have to realize that sometimes, other things need to come first.