Making It Work: Balance & Growth in College

College life is a whirlwind of responsibilities—academics, creative pursuits, and everything else pulling you in different directions. For me, the challenge isn’t just managing it all; it’s finding purpose in the chaos. By blending strategy with creativity and focusing on what truly matters, I’ve discovered how to turn the balancing act into a path for growth and fulfillment.

Overcoming the Challenges of Balance

Balancing academics, creativity, and extracurriculars hasn’t always been easy—especially during this past summer when I took on one of the busiest seasons of my life. I committed to studying abroad, working two jobs, managing two internships, and leading a marketing campaign. While it was an incredible period of growth, it often felt like my schedule was more of a juggling act than a thoughtfully curated routine. There were moments when I questioned whether I had taken on too much and wondered how I would balance it all.

What helped me navigate this overwhelming workload was learning to prioritize and focus on what truly mattered. I began identifying tasks aligned with my goals and let go of obligations that didn’t serve me. Breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps also made the workload feel less daunting. For instance, leading a marketing campaign required me to tackle everything from brainstorming themes to executing deliverables—but by approaching each step one at a time, I could stay organized and deliver results I was proud of.

Time-blocking became a lifesaver during this period. Planning out my days in advance allows me to allocate specific times for work, study, and self-care. Flexibility also played a key role. There were days when unexpected challenges arose, and instead of letting that derail me, I learned to adapt and keep moving forward.

One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of prioritizing self-care and relaxation. For me, self-care isn’t about elaborate routines—it’s about finding small moments to reset. I love cleaning my space to clear my mind, applying a face mask to unwind, or going for a walk to recharge. These simple habits helped me stay grounded, even during the busiest times, and reminded me that taking care of myself was just as important as meeting deadlines.

Ultimately, this summer taught me that balance doesn’t mean achieving perfection every day—it means focusing on what truly matters, embracing flexibility, and giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned. By doing so, I turned what could have been a season of burnout into one of growth, resilience, and accomplishment.

Purposeful Pursuits and Transferable Skills

College is undoubtedly busy, but I’ve learned that thriving amidst the chaos involves intentionality filling my time with activities that genuinely interest me, align with my goals, and contribute to my growth. It’s easy to feel pressured to join every club, take on commitments, or overextend yourself to stay busy. However, I’ve found that being selective and purposeful about where I spend my energy has allowed me to create a more fulfilling and meaningful college experience. This means choosing endeavors that not only spark joy but also help me build connections, develop valuable skills, and prepare for my future career.

Each activity I’ve pursued has played a significant role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally:

• Women in Business: This club has been instrumental in my academic and career journey. It aligns perfectly with my marketing major and provides a space to connect with like-minded peers and professionals. Through networking events and workshops, I’ve developed my public speaking and interpersonal skills, which have made me more confident in class discussions, interviews, and professional environments.

• CHAARG: Staying active through this women’s empowerment workout club has been a game-changer. It’s more than just a workout—it’s a space to connect with others while exploring new forms of exercise. CHAARG has taught me discipline and adaptability, from pilates to yoga to strength training. These qualities have proven essential when balancing a demanding schedule or tackling unexpected challenges in my coursework.

• Warsaw Sports Business: As someone passionate about the sports industry, being part of this group has been transformative. The club’s focus on industry trends and its lineup of insightful guest speakers (my favorite being Matty Merrill from Adidas) have expanded my understanding of the sports marketing landscape and taught me how to approach problems with an analytical mindset. These skills have directly translated into projects for internships and academic work, helping me approach challenges with creativity and strategy.

• Pi Beta Phi: My sorority has been a cornerstone of my college experience. It’s provided me with leadership opportunities, including organizing events and mentoring younger members. These roles have deepened my understanding of teamwork, communication, and accountability. Beyond leadership, being part of this community has allowed me to contribute to causes that reflect my personal values, reinforcing the importance of aligning passions with purpose.

What makes these activities so impactful is how they complement and enhance each other. By being intentional about what I commit to, I’ve avoided the pitfall of burnout and found opportunities to grow in unexpected ways. The communication skills I’ve honed in WIB have made me a better team player in my sorority. At the same time, the creative problem-solving I’ve practiced in Warsaw has influenced how I approach academic group projects. Even personal pursuits, like designing graphics or exploring new workouts, have contributed to my overall development. Creative outlets have taught me to think outside the box, while physical activities keep me grounded and help me maintain the energy needed to excel in other areas of my life. These seemingly small experiences have helped me develop a well-rounded skill set that I carry into every new challenge.

I’ve connected the dots between my passions, education, and career goals by recognizing and leveraging these transferable skills. Each experience, whether academic, creative, or extracurricular, adds a new layer to my personal and professional growth. Ultimately, I’ve found that intentionality—choosing pursuits that genuinely resonate with me—is the key to balancing college and thriving within it.

Dual Thinking for Success

The brain’s two hemispheres are often considered distinct: the left handles logic and analytics, while the right is responsible for creativity and imagination. While this idea might seem straightforward, research shows that the brain is far more interconnected. Both sides work together, creating a seamless balance critical for problem-solving, learning, and innovation.

The left hemisphere is traditionally associated with language and mathematical reasoning, while the right hemisphere excels in spatial awareness and visualization. However, studies have found that even tasks like solving math problems or processing language involve collaboration between both sides. A 2013 review of brain imaging revealed that the human brain doesn’t favor one side over the other; instead, bundles of nerve fibers create an “information highway,” ensuring the hemispheres complement and support each other (Healthline).

I've embraced this interconnectedness by intentionally exercising both sides of my brain. In my classes, I develop hard skills like data analysis, logic, and strategic thinking. Outside of the classroom, I tap into my creativity through pilates, writing for this blog, or arts & crafts. This balance keeps me engaged and helps me think holistically, solve problems from multiple perspectives, and find innovative ways to approach challenges.

One of my favorite times balancing logic and creativity was when I developed my own line of exclusive sweat sets for Fresh Prints. Our sales data showed that we were losing customers due to dissatisfaction with the existing products' colors, fit, or pricing. To tackle this, I gathered insights from the sales team and analyzed client feedback to identify improvement. Armed with this data, I collaborated with suppliers and developers to create a new line of sweat sets that addressed these issues. The process didn't stop at numbers—I got to tap into my creative side by working on the design and aesthetic elements to ensure the product resonated with customers. The new sweat sets launched just last month, and seeing the final product come to life was incredibly rewarding. This experience reinforced the importance of leveraging both sides of my brain and showed me how blending data-driven decision-making with creative problem-solving can lead to meaningful outcomes.

Recognizing how the analytical and creative sides of my brain work together has reshaped how I approach both academics and personal projects. By blending logical thinking with creativity—whether in marketing strategies or problem-solving, I've been able to deliver stronger results while finding more enjoyment in the process.

The Importance of Setting Goals

Another strategy that has helped me balance academics and creativity is setting clear, achievable goals. Goals give me direction and help me stay motivated, even when life gets overwhelming. Whether I pick up a new hobby or reach out to a mentor for an informational interview, every goal I set has a purpose.

Here are some recent goals I've set for myself:

• Trying New Workouts and Activities: Staying active is essential to my routine—for physical health, managing stress, and staying mentally refreshed. Recently, I've been exploring a range of workouts and activities, from pilates to group fitness classes and even outdoor adventures. Each new experience challenges me uniquely, whether learning a skill, targeting different muscle groups, or stepping out of my comfort zone. What I enjoy most is how these activities break up my routine and keep things exciting. Every workout is an opportunity to recharge, reset, and discover new ways to stay active and engaged. For me, it's about more than fitness—it's about staying curious and open to growth in every aspect of life.

• Exploring New Reads: Reading has become a powerful way to challenge my thinking and expand my knowledge, particularly in marketing, branding, and creativity. It's not just about gathering information but gaining new perspectives. Lately, I've been diving into I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi, which offers practical advice on personal finances and rethinking what being rich means. Every book I pick up adds another layer to my understanding and inspires me to approach ideas differently. It's a simple yet impactful way to keep growing, one chapter at a time.

• Building Connections and Expanding Networks: Connecting with professionals in industries I'm passionate about—like fashion and marketing—has been invaluable for gaining insights and building meaningful relationships. Whether attending panels, joining virtual events, or using platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, I've found plenty of ways to engage with people whose journeys inspire me. These conversations are more than just opportunities to learn from others—they're a chance to exchange ideas and build a network supporting my career growth and personal interests. Networking has evolved from a career tool to a way of staying curious and fostering connections that matter.

By setting intentional goals, I ensure that my time is spent meaningfully. No matter how small, each accomplishment contributes to my personal and professional growth.

Lessons Learned

Navigating the balance between academics, creativity, and extracurriculars has been a journey filled with valuable lessons. Each experience, whether challenging or rewarding, has contributed to my growth and shaped how I approach my personal and professional life. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Prioritizing Meaningful Commitments: It's not about doing more but focusing on what truly matters. Choosing activities that align with my interests and goals has kept me motivated and helped me avoid burnout.

2. The Value of Transferable Skills: Every experience builds valuable skills—like public speaking, problem-solving, and adaptability—that enhance my performance across different areas and connect my passions to my career goals.

3. Embracing Resilience and Adaptability: Challenges have taught me to adapt, stay flexible, and focus on what I can control, helping me grow through obstacles and self-doubt.

4. The Importance of Self-Care: Simple habits like taking time to recharge have been key to staying focused, energized, and creative amidst a busy schedule.

5. Finding Joy in the Process: Growth happens when you enjoy the journey. Staying curious and embracing every experience has made even the busiest times purposeful and rewarding.

   

   
   

Final Reflections 

When your passions align with your goals, work doesn't feel like work—it feels like growth. Balancing academics, creativity, and extracurriculars has been about intentionality, curiosity, and a commitment to self-improvement. Every experience adds value, and every lesson learned makes me more well-rounded.

Remember to fill your time with what matters most if you're balancing school, hobbies, and personal interests. Find joy in the process, and don't be afraid to step back and reset when necessary.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

What are your go-to strategies for balancing academics and personal interests? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences—I'd also love to learn from your journey. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in finding that balance!

Quote of the month:

Stay curious, keep creating, and stay true,

- Jovie