Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

This last term has been both an incredible struggle and a valuable 10 weeks of learning about who I am and what I’m capable of. My winter term was introduced by my roommates telling me they were leaving within the first few weeks and me having to find a new place. It wasn’t exactly a warm welcome to the new season but, luckily, I found a new place quickly, moved in and started my new term. That was what prefaced my next 10 weeks.

I wasn’t taking many credits; I had three classes in person and one online. It didn’t seem like the workload would be all that daunting. What I didn’t realize was just how time consuming all of my classes would be.

If I was only a student, then this would’ve been doable. However, I also work two jobs. During winter term, I worked anywhere between 45-65 hours a week. When you factor this in with the workload I had with school, I’d leave every week feeling exhausted and struggling to find energy. It quickly took a toll on my mental health. I was sleep deprived, I wasn’t eating well enough, and I would have frequent breakdowns. Constant stress kept me from feeling like myself. By the end of the term, I felt proud of what I had overcome but I wasn’t happy with where it had left me.

To manage and get through this term of hardships, I found myself looking to those around me for support. I had my key group of people who would always be there for me, whether it be for a spa day or a midnight run to get food. Whenever it became too much, I chose my health over my work; this wasn’t an easy decision to make. I found myself occasionally having to miss classes because I had surpassed my limit, and I’d use that time for myself and to destress. My health was my priority.

This spring, I’m making it my goal to reduce the time I spend on work, make sure I get enough sleep, make sure I’m eating well and find time for myself. Ultimately, my health is the most important thing and it has to be my focus. Had I continued to repeat that schedule that I was following in winter, I know my health would’ve rapidly declined — both mentally and physically. By learning a mixture of time management skills and an understanding of my limits, I know I’ll be far more successful this term, and I will finish the year out in a way I can truly be proud of.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis