Nowadays students have to work harder to live comfortably in college. Students have to add 20 to 30 hours of work to their full class schedules so that they can pay rent and the many other bills that come along with college life.
Nicole Morris, a graduating senior mass media communication major, is a self proclaimed “workaholic.” Morris spreads forty hours a week between her job in the Vice President of the Office of Student Affairs and Institutional Relations office on campus, and two non paid internships.
A busy schedule can take its toll on a college student over time, and can sometimes even cause problems with health. Many students have their own way to cope with the everyday stress that comes with balancing school, work and extra activities.
Senior, construction science major, TeeJay Reed says, “I’m self employed with my business Mr. 972 Originalz, my schedule can be hectic but that’s part of life, I believe if you can manage a busy schedule under pressure you pretty much have it made. Being too busy is the worst feeling in the world.”
Sometimes working and taking a full load of courses is necessary for students to survive away from home. So then the question becomes, can you ever be entirely too busy for your own good?
Edward Leroy Cook, junior music major, along with Morris both give credit to their religious beliefs for keeping them sane.
Cook said, “I’m always feeling overwhelmed and that my schedule is too hectic but I just pray, keep God in my life, and surround myself with the right people.”
“As a graduate coming out of school during a time when our economy is at its worst, it does not seem promising but it’s a good thing that I serve and worship an awesome God!” said Morris.
Some areas of students’ lives suffer because of the amount of time that they devote to work in and out of class.
Freshman LeJewelia Lewis is a member of the Campus Activities Board and on the University’s bowling team and admits that college is not as stressful as she thought it would be, but does not get to do all that she would like to. “My busy schedule with bowling prevents me from joining other organizations that I am interested in,” said Lewis.
While most students agree that they can sometimes become overwhelmed with their extremely hectic schedules, and the “bizzy body” way of life, they all look at the big picture and agree that the long term affects far outweight the negatives they are feeling now.