I have always enjoyed being busy. I am the type of person that wants to go into a career that constantly has me working. I want my job to basically consume my life. People who know me personally are most likely not surprised by this. Even now, as a junior in high school, I keep myself busy. I love to challenge myself, so I went into junior year ready to take on everything. But sometimes everything can be too much. 

With mostly core classes, clubs, and being the Editor in Chief of the Eaton Red Ink, I struggle with balancing my time. Not only that, but I work 30 hour weeks at my job, leaving me with basically no free time. I am constantly wishing for more hours in a day and my sleep schedule is out of control. But I still try my hardest to allow time for my friends and family. 

I have had to cut down on many of my favorite hobbies because of my intense schedule. Including watching movies, binge watching TikTok, and reading. I instead focus on my school work and only allow myself to enjoy such hobbies when I know there is time. But usually when I see a rare glimpse of free time, I am quick to ask my friends what they are up to. Without those few hours of relief from my work, I’d definitely go insane.

If you are someone who is planning on piling work on top of yourself until you’re drowned, keep this in mind: you can do it, but it will be difficult. You must know your limits and understand the consequences. I went into this crazy schedule with no idea what I had gotten myself into. Put every aspect of your life into perspective before you decide to work yourself in such a way. My best advice to the motivated students here at EHS is that you need to provide yourself with times of peace without the bombardment of work. Also, don’t let school consume your life; your friends and family are just as important. 

I know you have all heard this before, but go out and live before it is too late. I am often afraid that my schedule is coming between me and important high school memories. Look at how your classes, clubs, and commitments truly affect your life and determine if you can handle the load on your shoulders. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being busy. But it quickly becomes too busy. So go out and live without the looming threat of school work and other responsibilities. Life is more important than your high school math class. I understand the need to put everything on your plate at once. Sometimes it feels like the only option. In reality, it is all up to you. Discover what schedule works best, and be sure it allows time for you to live your own life outside of the school.