Category: Vanessa

This semester as a junior, I had to balance my life wisely with school work, personal life and my internship. All three of these were important for me to maintain throughout the semester. The most important thing I did to manage my time every day was writing my day’s schedule every night. 

Just using the notes app on my phone, I allocated specific time blocks for studying, attending classes, working on internship tasks, relaxation, and social activities.When you don’t have a schedule, it’s simple to get overwhelmed or focus too much on one thing at the expense of other things. A well-planned schedule can improve concentration and productivity. You’re more likely to stay on schedule and prevent procrastination when you have designated times for studying or working on internship assignments. You can accomplish more in less time by doing this and making the most of your time. I’ve also discovered that having a well-planned schedule aids in lowering tension and anxiety. I’ve discovered that I can better manage my workload and prevent last-minute rushes or missed deadlines by planning ahead and knowing precisely when I’ll be working on various tasks and when I’ll have time for relaxation or social activities. 

I also discovered how important it is to effectively communicate your schedule and commitments to your professors, internship supervisors, friends, and family. It aids in controlling expectations. They’ll be more aware of when I’m free for social events, meetings, and assignments if I keep them updated on my schedule. This lessens the possibility that schedule conflicts will lead to miscommunications or confrontations. 

Last but not least, it’s critical to maintain self-care, which includes giving my physical and mental health top priority by engaging in activities like relaxation, getting enough sleep, and making time for things I enjoy. Taking care of yourself is essential for controlling stress and avoiding burnout. It can be difficult to balance job, school, and personal obligations, and stress is inevitable at times. I did, however, make an effort to balance spending time with friends with taking time for myself.

I am passionate about COM because I am passionate about my major and career path. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and ever since I could remember and have always wanted to produce news. I was always sure I wanted to study journalism because I have a passion for hard news and spreading awareness of social issues. I want to educate and spread awareness on social issues I care about. I love COM because it contains people who are just as passionate about these issues as I am. COM lets me take advantage of so many different opportunities related to news and production. So many students are actively engaged in this community! It brings out the strongest motivation in me and it is always a pleasure to work with passionate people. 

There are so many organizations to choose from here in COM. Even without prior experience, people are happy to teach you and learn with you! I remember when I didn’t know a thing about camera operation in a news show I was a part of. However, I learned and experienced new things during my time there. Everyone has their firsts, and I think COM is happy to have students experience their firsts. 

For incoming freshmen, I want to say that you don’t have to be intimidated! There will be so many people willing to help you and so many resources. Getting involved in organizations that interest you is key. Find your community and be open minded. Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers, professors, advisors and organization leaders! And don’t limit yourself to your major. Attend career fairs, seek internships, and talk to advisors about potential career paths. It’s okay if you’re unsure; exploring is part of the process.You can explore various subjects in COM. Who knows? You might find a new passion while exploring. You will always have support!