For many students, particularly those who balance work with school commitments, a day often feels at the cusp of bursting — like there are barely enough hours to accommodate the flurry of activities that fill it up. Helena Mulville, a full-time Biology major student at Orange Coast College (OCC), endorses this perspective wholeheartedly. Despite her vast academic responsibilities, she also engages in part-time work.
Unveiling details about her predicament, Mulville said, “Currently, I’m taking up 13 units, five from biology, four from physics, and three from anthropology. Plus, there’s a one-unit piano class I’ve enrolled in, for leisure and because I believe playing a musical instrument augments one’s brain health.”
However, the young academic admitted the hard reality that the balance between school and work often comes at the cost of her social life. She remarked, “I barely find the time to casually dine out with friends. This has tremendously impacted my social relations. I don’t get to build close connections as much as I used to.”
In addition, while television and social media often record the only semblance of relaxation for many, Helena implies that the race against time could get one “consumed by work and school.” She revealed that brief timeouts at the gym offered a refreshing escape and helped maintain her mental poise.
In a similar scenario, Mia Mesa, another OCC student who routinely manages school and part-time work, confesses that such a taxing schedule often takes a toll on both, physically and mentally. With her major still to be decided and possibly leaning toward elementary education, she said, “The cycle of late nights at work followed by early morning school hours has essentially robbed me of a regular sleeping schedule.”
The director of Mental Health Services at OCC, Larry Valentine, emphasizes the significance of self-care and personal fulfillment in such scenarios. Echoing his beliefs, Helena and Mia shared that, in the midst of ensuring on-time homework submissions and fulfilling work requisites, the immense responsibility often leads students to be overwhelmed and suffer from burnout.
To counter these struggles, the Student Health department at OCC offers a series of resources to students. One such provision includes free therapy sessions for students who have incurred their health fees during registration. The department also organizes multiple group sessions throughout the week, focusing on self-compassion, connection, empowerment, and self-image enhancement.
Venezia Luna, another OCC student, who also manages her school commitments while working part-time, tries to keep her social life afloat. Speaking about her routine, she mentioned, “I work thrice a week and attend school four times a week. On school days, I find intervals between or after classes to catch up on homework.”
Luna tries to achieve a balance by scheduling socializing and relaxation activities, such as spending time with her boyfriend or friends, exploring a favorite eatery, or enjoying outdoor activities like beach walks or hiking. She underscored the importance of self-care rituals, saying, “One must prioritize their well-being. One bad grade doesn’t signify the end. Show yourself some kindness and patience, every person follows their unique journey, and everything has a reason behind it.”
In essence, these students’ stories serve as a reminder that striking a harmony between one’s personal, academic, and professional lives is possible. It might require meticulous planning, sacrifice, and prioritization, with each person finding their unique balance.
