Back from Break and Battling Burnout Working Students Fight Too Much To Do and Not Enough Rest

ANNELIA NIXON Staff Reporter

Abram Tabor and

Muritala

Ayinla contributed to this story.

Senior and Biology major Halena Procopio Ross believes her time is winding down as graduation is right around the corner, but her grit and determination is stronger than ever. She is taking 15 credit hours, holds an on-campus job, volunteers at Powell Gardens for three hours every week, is a member of the University of Central Missouri’s Horticulture Club and has recently joined UCM’s Ping Pong League. Ross strives to have a work and life balance throughout her semester.

“Because of how stressful students’ lives are, the best thing you can do for yourself is take at least one element out of your life and destress it,” Ross said.

With the end of the UCM’s Winter Break and the beginning of the 2023 Spring semester, many students like Ross face the challenges of a busy schedule and resisting burnout.

Similarly, Sophomore Secondary English Education major Logen Myers also believes the semester start up has been a challenge. Myers is taking 15 credit hours this semester.

“I’m not too drowned in work, in general,” Myers said. “I never get too stressed, but I never have nothing to do.”

Myers says that making time for self-care is often as simple as a quick break between classes. “You can always just take a break for a second,” Myers said. “If you’re overwhelmed with other activities or commitments, it doesn’t hurt to take five minutes. Relax, decompress, do something you enjoy a little bit so you’re not completely focused on school 24/7.”

In the same way, Sophomore Kinesiology major Tiyah Gipson feels the push to fight burnout in the early days of the semester.

“I’m adjusting well this semester,” Gipson said. “I work weekends back home, so my biggest goal was just to try and get all of my schoolwork done before the weekend.”

Gipson also says she makes sure to take time each day for self-care.

“I do struggle with anxiety and I think it’s huge for me,” Gipson said. “Even if it’s not something in the class syllabus, I say work at your pace and don’t push yourself too hard.”

Just as Myers and Gipson, Ross strives to enjoy her college experience, while working hard.

After attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Ross came to UCM as a post baccalaureate student looking for the experiences she didn’t get at UMKC.

“I commuted to UMKC and I didn’t really get a good community experience because I commuted,” Ross said. “I really wanted to get a do-over in a sense. There weren’t many opportunities for me to get involved at UMKC. I felt that was what I was really lacking so when I came to UCM, I immediately went to the [UCM] Involvement Fair and tried to find something that fit my interests.”

Wanting the full college experience, Ross immersed herself in her studies and the different clubs she was introduced to at the Involvement Fair. Her goal is to officially become a Missouri National Naturalist by the time she graduates, which is why she volunteers at Powell Gardens.

Her hectic schedule starts at 6 a.m. most mornings and does not end until 7 p.m. most evenings. She spends hours in classes and in the labs. She has had to cut one day of work from her schedule to accommodate all of her obligations.

However, Ross has found ways to balance her school, social and home life so she does not risk feeling burnt out. She said meal prepping and a healthy diet is the best place for her to start as she enjoys cooking and sees the benefits.

“I want to make sure I have at least a semi-healthy meal on deck so I don’t have to worry about that. I can’t tell you how many times people come to my biology and genetics labs and they’re like I didn’t eat breakfast and they’re like zombies,” Ross said. “And the best thing a student can do is make sure they eat breakfast and make sure they’re full for the day and stay hydrated.”

Ross also said she takes twentyminute breaks after doing homework to do things she enjoys like watching her favorite shows. She also tries not to start assignments in advance. Ross said she takes mental health days when she needs to, especially if her class is online and she can access the notes at any time. She said staying organized also helps. She uses Google Calendar to make a list of everything she needs to get done.

“Don’t wait ‘til the last minute,” Ross said. “You may think it’ll give you some inspirational mumbo jumbo to get it all done, but it is a bad idea because then you’re going to stay up until 2 a.m. to get it done. Then, the next day, you are just not there cognitively when it comes to lectures.”