*Republished from the January / February 2018 issue of The Kayseean
By Haley Hartzog
College is a time for learning, discovering who you are, and trying new things. Opportunity after opportunity can arise, and you might feel obligated to embrace each one. When you are involved in many activities, your schedule can quickly become full and it can become difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while trying to balance homework, sports, extra-curricular activities, and a social life.
Petra Koivuvaara, sophomore, is an example of someone who effectively manages her time and activities. She is a member of the soccer team, President of the International Student Organization at King University, works as an assistant in the School of Business, and she takes 20-credit hours each semester. To keep track of all of her assignments, work hours, games, and meetings, Koivuvaara likes to use a planner.
“I’m a visual learner,” said Koivuvaara. Writing her plans down helps her remember everything that she has to do. Her biggest tip for time management is to communicate with your coaches, professors, and bosses.
Autumn Bergendahl, junior, is another example of a student who is an effective time manager. Bergendahl is a member of the golf team and SAAC (Student-Athelete Advisory Committee).
She said she has learned to manage her time by keeping a planner and by looking at assignments a week ahead before they are due. “If I didn’t have a planner, I’d be lost. It’s like my lifeline,” said Bergendahl. Her tips for busy students are to get as much done in one sitting as possible and not to stress out about everything that is due.
Even though balancing everything at once may seem impossible, handling a full schedule is possible with the help of time management skills.