By: Camila Tabares
“When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority,”a statement attributed to Simon Fulleringer, resonates strongly with college students who are trying to balance the demands of academic responsibilities and work commitments. According to Mental Health America , a national nonprofit that promotes mental health and well-being, around half of all full-time college students hold jobs outside of their studies, a figure that rises to 80% for part-time students. A recent study revealed that 70% of college students experience significant financial stress. Balancing work, school and social life is not an easy task. At Queensborough Community College, nearly 10,000 students are navigating this ongoing challenge in Fall 2024.
As educators increasingly recognize the daily struggles faced by students,. discussions about workload management have gained importance. “School administrators recommend that students ideally work 10-15 hours per week,” Mental Health America states in the article “Balancing Work and School.”This should leave full-time students with adequate time for classes, assignments and personal interests. However, for students responsible for their own finances, this is not a realistic option. This makes strategies like choosing online classes, working with advisors and professors to create a comfortable schedule, and applying to scholarships essential.
For many students at QCC, the stress of balancing multiple responsibilities has a significant impact on both academic performance and well-being. Valentina, 21, exemplifies this struggle. “Going to school, having a full time job, a boyfriend that is in need of my attention, and friends that want to party is a crazy ride, but at the end, I know it will be worth it”.
Originally from Colombia, Valentina moved to New York City three years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. She has consistently made the dean’s list and is always ready to assist her classmates. So how does she manage it all?
“Going to Pilates, having an agenda and trying new recipes is what makes me survive my crazy schedule, without this I would go insane” Valentina explains. She found that incorporating fitness into her routine significantly reduced her stress levels. An organized agenda helps her keep track of assignments, social activities and work schedules, all of this vital for effective time management.
Carlos, 23, faces a different set of challenges. As a full-time construction worker and a parent of two, he struggles with submitting assignments on time. “I always forget what homework I have to do, and when I do remember, I don’t give myself enough time to do them and this ends up affecting my grades” he admits. His lack of organization has caused him to fall behind, delaying his graduation that was originally scheduled for Fall 2023.
Carlos reflects on his past struggles: “Failing multiple classes has helped me understand that if I want to succeed in school, I have to find a balance”. He has tried various strategies, from wall calendars to fitness routines, but found success in using the note app on his phone. “I know this is going to sound weird, but being able to check off my “to-do list” every night is so satisfying. I am now able to prioritize certain things and find a balance between working full-time, spending time with my babies and getting good grades”.
For students, balancing work and school is a unique and often challenging process. Each individual must navigate their own path to find effective strategies. While advice from friends or online resources can be helpful, it’s essential to recognize that what works for one person may not work for the other. General tips include creating a schedule, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, setting realistic goals, taking breaks and making time for hobbies.
At Queensborough Community College students should remember they are not alone. With over 10,000 students enrolled this semester, many share the same struggle. For those in need of support, the Center for Tutoring and Academic Support, along with Counseling services, is available to navigate their academic and personal challenges.
