During my first year of college, I was immensely distressed about balancing my schedule. I quit my summer job and delegated my youth group time towards studying and living on my own. Even with the abundance of time, I ended up studying day-in and day-out with a severe lack of sleep. I was doing well in class but I was suffering socially. I felt like I was with people but I did not feel connected like I used to. My priorities had school above all else.
It wasn't until our hallway had a wing meeting where we discussed the usual general topics. I had the privilege of having a dedicated resident advisor with a hectic schedule. His words echoed in my mind and laid the foundation for what would become my "motto" or saying that I choose to live by. In the cold, unfinished basement, he looked at all of us new freshmen. He knew we were already handicapped in terms of success with college (because we are all first generation students in my wing) but he made the decision to meet us where we were and help us along the way. His words were:
"I may be busy, but I'm available."
I know what you're thinking. Probably something along the lines of "that's a pretty straightforward quote, I don't really get it." You would be correct if we take the quote and apply it at a surface level. However, I want to dive deeper into the meaning. Firstly, the quote is an act of service. It is a dedication of allotted time, letting others know the speaker is there with them and for them. They are going to help out in most situations. An act of service is nice, but that's what makes this quote so memorable and honest. It is also an act of self-sacrifice. Whoever speaks these words is going to take time away from their life -- time that was going to be used for important studying, planning, or even rest -- and give that time to you. They are going out of their way to assist you because they care that much about you.
It is that act of self-sacrifice that brings me to the best tip I can give.
Spend time with those you care about.
It seems pretty basic, but in the individualistic, self-concerned Western culture we live in, it is something we often overlook. Your loved ones are not a priority anymore, they are little bits and pieces that you try and squeeze into your schedule while you frantically live life. That is not a way to live. Sure, you can plan your schedule and your life. I do that or else I would get nothing done at school or work, but make sure that you keep your schedule flexible. The important people in your life miss you and want to spend time with you. Are you really going to pass that up for an hour of studying that you were probably going to push back anyways?
I can attest that this advice is not easy to implement. It takes a lot of dedication and time out of your schedule because you are always giving it up for others. Yet, in my case, I was always running short on time and doing things at the last minute anyway. I figured, "hey, why not go out to eat with those friends, or go on an impromptu grocery drive? I have nothing to lose except a few hours at my computer."
At the end of the day, I will still be sitting at my desk late at night studying and finishing homework, but I will have the added benefit of a memorable experience with the most important people in my life. I think that speaks for itself.
