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How do you balance focusing on your studies and work with global awareness ?

With all that's been going on in the world and the US, I've been very stressed about the future and what I can do to help people, but it's been negatively impacting my studies and mental health to think about that so frequently. I've not done any proper 'adulting' yet, but I can only imagine that strain will get worse when I need to support myself. I don't want to block out the world because that doesn't help anything get better, but I don't know what to prioritize and when.

spring25 advice work-life-balance mental-health current-events
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Isabel, I hope you're doing well! I really admire your empathy and your desire to stay informed about what's happening in the world. It's a wonderful quality to have. I've faced similar challenges, and two things that have helped me are: 1) accepting that many things are beyond my control, and 2) remembering that there's more good in the world than what we often see in the news or on social media. Staying informed is important, but it's also crucial to protect your mental health by not carrying the world's burdens alone. You need to take care of yourself first to be able to help others. Focus on staying healthy both physically and mentally. By putting effort into your studies and personal life now, you'll be better equipped to make a difference later. Concentrate on what you can control, like your interactions with friends, family, and neighbors. Remember, even small actions can make a big impact. When you follow current events, try to find some positive stories in your community—there's a lot of good out there that doesn't always make the headlines. It's important to stay informed while also taking time to unplug and enjoy life. It's perfectly okay to care about the world while appreciating what you have.
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Alyssa’s Answer

I'd suggest that you consider what you can do (email your representatives/senator, volunteer for an activist org, donate financially to orgs that do good work) and then stay informed enough to do that, but no more. The world doesn't need you to know everything; the world DOES need you to make a positive impact right where you are. If there's a particular issue that you begin to feel upset about, find a way to do something about it. If you can't do anything about it, don't let yourself spiral into the details - that won't help those who need it OR help you. It's great to know broadly what's happening, but try to align your awareness with actions and pour your energy more into outputs, not inputs.
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Ruth’s Answer

Agree with Michael Carvajal's take :) I think your current "world" is your student world & as a student, your role is to focus & do well in your studies instead of worrying about what's going on in the world & the US. You can still stay informed, but you'll not be able to "do everything" nor "save the world". As you're still young, don't get into a burn-out just so early :) I believe that as long as you do well in your studies, have a good attitude in life & always pursue having a good character, you will have a better future than if you get too worried, burnt out or break down mentally that your studies fail. As mentioned by Michael above, focus on what you currently have & can control e.g. time invested into completing homework/studying, participating in various sports/activities within your means (don't overdo as well), & enjoy the friendship & time you have with your family. Chin up, Isabel! Don't worry so much, take a day at a time & enjoy your youth days for you can't turn back time :D
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Ariann’s Answer

Isabel, this type of compassion and empathy makes you an asset to our society; thank you for caring so deeply!

I think it is helpful to remember that the world is a very big place, and we can really only work with what is right in front of us. Sometimes what is right in front of us will be a world issue, but sometimes it isn't, so we need to be able to compartmentalize and triage. A former student once told me that it helped him to remember that he can't fight for every issue he cares about, but he knows that there are people out there who are fighting for those issues. He can either have divided attention among 20 areas of concern and make mild impact or pour his energy into a few key areas and make a larger impact. That always stayed with him, because it is true that we need to pick what makes us passionate and go that direction. You never know, your future career could intersect with those passions! Just know there are plenty of people who are concerned alongside you, and everyone will advocate and fight in the way that makes sense for them to continue to move forward in life.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. It's more about your time management. Firstly, find a time management tool to help, e.g. MS Outlook, Google Calendar, Phone Calendar, etc. You should focus on the task/activity on the schedule and avoid distracting yourself.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend class
2. Assign some time everyday on the assignment, projects, etc. and review the material covered on the day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on the next school day
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do exercise
4. You can then allocate the remaining time on doing some voluntary work (help people), read the global news, leisure, friend & family gathering, etc.
You don't need to fill up your schedule completely. Keep some 'me' time to relax and for reflection.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Kelly’s Answer

Hey Isabel! Echoing the other answers, it is apparent that you have incredible empathy and care for those around you. My suggestion would be to use this superpower! While it can certainly be overwhelming to think about all that is going on in the world, this awareness and passion could help fuel you into a future career. There are many careers out that are helping to solve world problems, individual people or systems that are broken. Anything from healthcare to social impact to working in nonprofits, there are so many jobs that you will be working to positively change the world around you. Best of luck!!
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