4 answers
Jackson
Student
Cedar Falls, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
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How do you use resources to balance a full-time school life, part-time work life, college sports, and a social life, all while maintaining good grades?
I am a high school senior in Cedar Falls Iowa. I am planning on attending St. Ambrose in Davenport Iowa and will be studying business administration.
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4 answers
Leidy Jimenez
End User Sales & Print Warranty Services Support
2
Answers
Bogotá, Colombia
Updated
Leidy’s Answer
Hello Jackson!! As a first step, it's important to plan each activity in advance and prioritize it accordingly. Planning our time consciously helps you balance studies, work, and personal lives.
Olufemi Joseph
Water technician
14
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Olufemi’s Answer
Balancing a busy schedule with school, work, sports, and social life is definitely a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can manage it effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate this busy phase of your life while maintaining good grades:
Start by prioritizing your commitments. Make a list of all your responsibilities—classes, work, sports, and social activities. Determine which are most important and time-sensitive. This will help you focus your energy where it matters most.
Create a detailed schedule. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your week. Include class times, work shifts, practice sessions, and any social events. Block out dedicated study time, ensuring you allocate sufficient time for homework and exam preparation.
Set specific goals. Break down your academic tasks into manageable goals. For example, aim to complete assignments a few days before their due dates or set aside time each week for studying specific subjects. This proactive approach reduces last-minute stress.
Establish a routine. Consistency can help you manage your time effectively. Try to stick to a daily routine that includes designated times for studying, working, practicing, and socializing. This will help you develop good habits and maintain balance.
Utilize campus resources. Once you’re at St. Ambrose, take advantage of academic support services, such as tutoring, study groups, or workshops. These resources can help you stay on track with your studies and improve your understanding of challenging subjects.
Communicate with your employers and coaches. Let them know about your academic commitments. Many employers and coaches are understanding and may offer flexible scheduling to help you balance your responsibilities.
Practice self-care. Don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Make time for exercise, relaxation, and hobbies that you enjoy. Proper rest, nutrition, and downtime are essential for maintaining focus and energy.
Stay organized. Keep your study materials and workspace tidy. Use tools like to-do lists or productivity apps to help you stay on top of assignments and deadlines. An organized approach can reduce stress and improve efficiency.
Be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Be prepared to adjust your schedule when necessary and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Lastly, remember to enjoy the journey. While balancing everything can be tough, it’s also an exciting time in your life. Make sure to carve out moments for fun and connection with friends to keep your spirits high.
Start by prioritizing your commitments. Make a list of all your responsibilities—classes, work, sports, and social activities. Determine which are most important and time-sensitive. This will help you focus your energy where it matters most.
Create a detailed schedule. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your week. Include class times, work shifts, practice sessions, and any social events. Block out dedicated study time, ensuring you allocate sufficient time for homework and exam preparation.
Set specific goals. Break down your academic tasks into manageable goals. For example, aim to complete assignments a few days before their due dates or set aside time each week for studying specific subjects. This proactive approach reduces last-minute stress.
Establish a routine. Consistency can help you manage your time effectively. Try to stick to a daily routine that includes designated times for studying, working, practicing, and socializing. This will help you develop good habits and maintain balance.
Utilize campus resources. Once you’re at St. Ambrose, take advantage of academic support services, such as tutoring, study groups, or workshops. These resources can help you stay on track with your studies and improve your understanding of challenging subjects.
Communicate with your employers and coaches. Let them know about your academic commitments. Many employers and coaches are understanding and may offer flexible scheduling to help you balance your responsibilities.
Practice self-care. Don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Make time for exercise, relaxation, and hobbies that you enjoy. Proper rest, nutrition, and downtime are essential for maintaining focus and energy.
Stay organized. Keep your study materials and workspace tidy. Use tools like to-do lists or productivity apps to help you stay on top of assignments and deadlines. An organized approach can reduce stress and improve efficiency.
Be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Be prepared to adjust your schedule when necessary and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Lastly, remember to enjoy the journey. While balancing everything can be tough, it’s also an exciting time in your life. Make sure to carve out moments for fun and connection with friends to keep your spirits high.
Alicia Gee
Sr. Director
2
Answers
El Dorado Hills, California
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
Hi Jackson,
The advice I give my own kids is to focus on time management. You have limited number of hours within the day and it is important that you fill them with areas that you want to prioritize. At the same time build in some breaks and social aspects to ensure you are balancing your mental health as well. In todays world with social media it is easy to consume your time online which may not be serving your interests. It is easy to get distracted so stay disciplined about your time. If you have not already watched 'Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator' by Tim Urban on TED Talks please check it out! Good luck, you got this!
The advice I give my own kids is to focus on time management. You have limited number of hours within the day and it is important that you fill them with areas that you want to prioritize. At the same time build in some breaks and social aspects to ensure you are balancing your mental health as well. In todays world with social media it is easy to consume your time online which may not be serving your interests. It is easy to get distracted so stay disciplined about your time. If you have not already watched 'Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator' by Tim Urban on TED Talks please check it out! Good luck, you got this!
Jack Robi
Account Manager
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Hi Jackson, I think a huge key resource/strategy in balancing a busy schedule like that, is to prioritize a productive, early start to the day. A planning/brainstorm session to begin and getting up as early as you can (with enough sleep), will help you get the ball rolling into your daily activities that are to follow. As others have mentioned, it will take prioritization to bring this all together but try your best to tackle errands or other tasks before your day gets into full swing. Best of luck!