Balancing your new adult college life

Hi stranger!

If you were anything like me when I arrived at Virginia Tech, then you were so excited to join all of the clubs, sports, and organizations you possibly could! I have always loved making the most out of my time in school through my organizations, as that’s where you can grow and excel outside of the classroom. The best aspect of Virginia Tech is that there is never a lack of organizations to join — the list never ends. Although, with all the excitement and anticipation leading up to your time here, one might feel overwhelmed by all the new options at your disposal.

My first semester, I came to Virginia Tech wanting to discover new interests, passions, and ways to push my boundaries. Gobblerfest on the Drillfield was my first way to explore what was out there for me to look into. I talked to multiple booths and placed my name on several sign-up sheets, and after a while ... all the emails from each organization began to inundate me.

With all of my interests, there was not enough time within a class week to attend each club’s meeting, and that bummed me out. I struggled to commit to one of the many selections of mine to further pursue, and I eventually narrowed it down to the Polo Club at Virginia Tech. Within this club, I was able to find a community of amazing people who all share a love for horses and riding, and even some of my closest friends to this day.

With this organization though, more came onto my plate. I became a:

• Residential Well-Being Student Leader
• Polo Club at Virginia Tech board member
• Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) member
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) Student Ambassador
• School of Animal Sciences (SAS) Student Ambassador
• Student Digital Content Producer for Virginia Tech

My weeks began to be more structured and planned, and my personal time became limited. I had to start considering how to balance all of my interests with my time here at Virginia Tech as a student and young adult. As I learned, with good time management, and an assessment of what you truly enjoy doing, you can begin to filter through your involvements and interests.

I recommend going through these questions when trying to balance your time:

• Do I engage in the organization’s events with enthusiasm and interest?
• Would I feel more rested if I did not have this commitment on my schedule?
• What are ways I could replace this involvement with something of similar interest on my own time?

And more, depending on your own preferences!

Overall, we are students who are living life independently for the first time, and we want to have spectacular memories of Virginia Tech before we depart here! That goal comes with balancing your time as a student and as an adult, as we will never get these amazing years back! So go out there and live your most amazing time here at Virginia Tech, and always remember to keep a balance between your interests, so you don’t let the good life pass you by (Mama Cassie reference).