Yes, I am still here! I have not been consistent with posting recently, but I am determined to be better about posting now that I have started to get a feel for my summer routine. This week I wanted to write about the two things that are taking up the most time in my life right now: work and school. This summer I am taking Inquiry to Evidence Based Nursing Practice online. My classes are once a week on Zoom from 9-2, and the homework load so far has been really reasonable! I'm enjoying staying in touch with my fellow classmates, and I enjoy having a bit of school to keep me busy. Still, it is always tricky to find a balance between studying and working, especially when I am in school full time. During the summer I pick up as many hours as I can, because during the school year I have to cut way back with all my clinicals and classes.
Before I share some of my advice for juggling work and school, I want to say that I have certainly not figured it all out myself! I feel like I am constantly adapting my schedule and my study methods and struggling to figure out how to manage my time well. When I was Skyping with one of my roommates from Covenant, I told her that my weekly prayer request hasn't really changed since my Bio days. I still asked her to pray that I could manage my time effectively and find a sense of balance in my work, school, church, and family life. It's not easy, but I have found some tips that have helped me manage my different areas of life, and I hope they are helpful for you too!
1) Plan out your week in advance, and schedule time for work AND school
At the beginning of the week, I always type out my and Ethan's work schedule so we can figure out carpooling and try to make as many shifts overlap as possible. I like going into the week knowing what days I am working so I can also schedule time to do homework. I strongly recommend designating specific blocks of time to study. Otherwise it is way too easy to let the week slip away from you!
2) Make a plan, and write it down!
My mom has had a planner for as long as I can remember! She writes everything down in it and somehow is able to balance 11 different schedules and keep our house running smoothly. I have definitely inherited her love for planning and organizing, and I always begin each week by figuring out what homework assignments are due and typing up a list with reminders. I prefer to use my online planner directly in Canvas so I can link my reminders to my assignments, but honestly the best method for you is one that you will stick to! There are so many planners to choose from, and they all have great features.
3) Be open with the people around you: if you are feeling completely overwhelmed, it is okay to say so!
I have never been good about admitting when I am feeling stressed. Often I just let the stress build up, and that is an awful feeling. It isn't fair to you or the people around you to let your anxiety overwhelm you. Communication and honesty are key to every relationship! When I started my job, I was open with my boss about how I may need to cut way back on hours during the school year. I had no idea how work and school were going to fit together. Thankfully my managers have been incredibly gracious about working with me and letting me take time off as needed to prioritize my studies. When my coworkers ask me how school is going, I am always open with them. Some weeks I just plain feel buried, and those are the times I may need to give away a shift. Other weeks I feel completely caught up and am able to pick up some hours and help fellow college students who are feeling overwhelmed. We all work to help each other, and I am so thankful for my coworkers!
4) Take care of yourself!
Make sure that you aren't burning yourself out by not getting enough sleep, food, fresh air, and time to relax. Even if your to-do list feels a mile long, sometimes it is important to just drop everything and take a little time to destress. This is something I am not good at, but I know it is so important. Especially working as a nurse, I want to be performing at my very best for my patients, and that means prioritizing my own health as well.
5) If possible, find a work study position!
During my two years at Covenant, I worked in the admissions office as a Student Admissions Representative. I absolutely loved working with prospective students, and I learned SO much. I didn't have a car, so being able to walk to my job right on campus was amazing. My boss let me schedule my own hours for the most part, so I could work around my classes and exams. Of course, if you do work study you will have to plan to make a lot less money than you would elsewhere. Still, I was grateful to be able to slowly plug away at paying for my tuition!
6) Prioritize downtime with family and friends
Living with my family while I am in college is something I am SO grateful for. I love being able to come home from a stressful long day and snuggle Owen or chat with Shaila over a cup of warm tea. My family has been my biggest source of support through the most difficult college experiences, and the amount of love and grace they have shown me has helped me to where I am now. I couldn't have gotten to my senior year without them! Living 18 hours away from my family during my freshman and sophomore years showed me how precious family time is.
Time with friends is also such a gift. Unfortunately I haven't been able to visit or host many people during the Coronavirus, but I am so thankful for Skype and social media to stay as connected with them as I can.
7) Know your goal, and stick with it!
I remember wondering how I was ever going to make it through high school, but somehow I graduated and am now starting my senior year in college! Someday I know I will graduate with my nursing degree, and all this craziness will be 100% worth it. Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me on my journey so far. I can't wait to continue to share it with you!
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