The problem for the overly conscientious student is that everything looks appealing. We try to involve ourselves with every club or organization that aligns with our multi-dimensional personalities. What’s the issue? Sometimes, you are a little over your head! A majority of the time may be spent on the struggle bus because there simply are not enough hours in the day!
As a junior, I already have a job in my field in addition to volunteering on the Relay for Life North Atlanta Event Leadership Team as their Online and Social Communications Correspondent, serving as the Correspondence Chair for my chapter of Chi Omega, and a member of Rotaract. I relate to this struggle because I want to give more of myself than possible.
With that being said, here are a few issues I, like many people, have endured.
1. Inability to Accomplish Daily Goals
Often, you will write out your goals that you wish to accomplish for the day. However, in between meetings, classes, and extracurricular activities, some assignments may be pushed back days, weeks, or even a month.
2. Exercise
Finding time to exercise is often very difficult for students. The combination of a lack of time and the temptation of Taco Bell and pizza leads to the emergence of the “Freshman 15”. Unfortunately, our metabolisms do not always work in our favor, so we have to make time to work out.
Exercise is a double edged sword because it takes up time that can be devoted to other important matters, but it can reduce your stress levels, which in the long run makes you more efficient.
3. Sleep
Regardless whether you are a college student or an overly involved student, sleep is not an option. Sometimes, it’s that paper or test we waited until the last minute to study for and other times life happens. We’re in college for only four years, so we try to make the most of every second. Even if that means depriving ourselves of a few hours of sleep.
4. Sacrifice
There are times where your extracurricular activities conflict. Although you would like to attend every event, it is virtually impossible. That being said, it is important to exercise time management. It is okay to miss one event, however, as long as you make sure you give every other attended event your utmost effort and attention.
Other times, you have the epic conflict of school vs. social life. Unfortunately, the test you may have the next day will conflict with a party that night. It is important to remember you came to college to get a degree, even if that means you have to deprive your social life for one night. No worries, there will be other events.
5. Caffeine
Face it, we are not pleasant people without our caffeine. Coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks, you name it! 99 percent of college students are sleep deprived. Lots of caffeine needs to be in our system so we can be functioning and efficient individuals.
6. What do I do?
As I mentioned before, it never hurts to prioritize your obligations. In the future, when deciding if you would like to join a club or organization, make sure you have enough time. Remember, you do not want to over-commit yourself. Trust me, you don't want to be the person who relates to this article!
