A typical student in my academic society is one with one or two things to juggle, beyond just their academic engagements. There's seemingly one thing or another on their schedules to fill as well, not just the academic success that they are pursuing. These other commitments could be towards a financial gain, personal development, value addition or spiritual edification and growth.
I've seen people who were learning a skill while in school, some who did business, some engaged in some clubs or societies, and some who were very much involved in fellowship. There's always one thing or another on the typical student's schedule. I remember well some guys who engaged in their businesses, selling their goods even at night.
Whatever it is, one certain thing is that it's never easy, and as such, a balance towards one's academics and these other engagements needs to be put in place. The beauty of academics and school goes beyond studies for me, but what other wealth of knowledge, skills, and possibilities one can amass during his or her academic journey. And so, I find that these engagements are necessary as well.
The big deal then is how to put up a balance. It wasn't easy on my part either. Right on getting into my department, we were clearly told that we'll need to “sacrifice” our social life and other forms of engagements that will not directly impact our academics, being that it was the major thing that brought us to school. Or perhaps, we could just do them in moderation.
The statement was ushering us to the reality that our time will no longer be ours, but the course is taking over it. Such was the reflection of that statement. We understood better along the line. But did it stop us from doing other things? No. Some of us engaged in businesses, side hustles, skills and fellowships.
Along my academic journey, I have learn a digital skill, that benefits me today. The most I'll say was juggling and balancing academics and fellowship. I knew the need for fellowship with the brethren, as it encourages me in my faith journey and also helps me be a blessing to others, as they are to me. Was it an easy ride? No. Was it worth juggling them together? Yes.
It looked like having these other engagements alongside my academics would be totally detrimental. I guess sometimes what we need is a balance. Since I knew my course demanded a lot－in time and resources－and of course it did, I had to consider working in odd hours. Nighttime became highly utilised. We were always busy, both day and night, and the nighttime turned out to be a working time for us generally.
Weekends are also engaged, especially when we have a fellowship program and perhaps a presentation next week in the department. If not, then I try as much as possible to use the weekend well for my academic endeavours. One “scheme” that was resourceful to my academic journey amidst these engagements, which I learnt at some point was doing my readings and assignments as early as they were given. Thankful for the advice from a friend and mentor.
Overall, the help and hand of God was instrumental beyond my balance and plans. There were times when things went out of plan and it all looked out of place for me, but I saw the help of God playing in those situations. Well, that was a wonderful ride.
Images are mine.