Throughout my life, I’ve considered myself to be pretty good at multi-tasking and time management. Playing two varsity sports while attending Grinnell College challenged me in these areas, but I found a way to balance it all and have an incredible college experience. Being a Victory Scholar has definitely helped me further develop my time management and organizational skills.
We manage busy schedules as Victory Scholars. We study to get our Master’s, play for two basketball teams, and coach different groups in our communities. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming, but taking everything day by day has been helpful for me. I’ve become better at setting goals to accomplish everyday and holding myself accountable to achieving them. I’ve always made to-do lists and planned out my days; however, being a Victory Scholar has challenged me to do even more. There are kids in our communities relying on us to bring positive energy and enthusiasm to their basketball sessions, so I’ve learned to schedule my time so that I can give the kids my 100%.
I’ve also enhanced my ability to separate tasks and stay focused. Something critical I’ve learned is that there are times when you just have to shut your mind off. Sometimes, you have to stop thinking about your final research project or what you’re going to coach the next day, and you just need to take a few minutes and think about nothing. Taking this time to recharge helps me to stay focused when I do have a task to perform or plan.
Living in Ireland as a Victory Scholar has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve learned how to adjust to a new culture and live an ocean away from my support system at home. On top of this, I’ve learned how to find a balance with a potentially busier schedule than I’ve ever had. If I can find this balance as a Victory Scholar, I’m confident that I will be able to do so in my next steps in life.
