The year 2022-2023 was by far my most challenging college year, but it also allowed me to learn a lot about myself. In fact, I started the school year with a multitude of personal, professional, and academic goals, as well as initiatives to make a significant impact on campus. Little did I know that I would have to face various obstacles and make difficult compromises to prioritize my well-being.
As the President of the Lindner Student Associate, the college of Business Tribunal, I found myself leading a team of 7 executive members and 20 directors. Together, we were responsible for planning numerous events for the student body, as well as working on several initiatives to positively influence our peers. The position demanded a great deal of time and effort, but it also provided me with valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to develop my organizational skills.
On top of my responsibilities as President, I held executive positions in other organizations such as the UC NEO Initiative and the UC Center for Entrepreneurship. Additionally, I served as a Resident Advisor, Lindner Ambassador, Business Fellow, and MLT Fellow, which is a national organization. Juggling these roles while also searching for internships and professional opportunities added a significant amount of stress to my plate. I had to prepare for interviews while simultaneously studying for classes and fulfilling my commitments to the various organizations. This period tested my time management skills and pushed me to become more efficient and resourceful.
In the midst of my hectic schedule, I soon realized that I was becoming overwhelmed. I found myself struggling to prioritize my well-being and spend quality time doing things I truly enjoyed with the people I loved. It was a wake-up call for me to reevaluate my priorities and make necessary adjustments. I came to understand that while striving for success and pursuing our goals is important, neglecting our mental health and personal well-being can be detrimental in the long run.
To ensure my well-being, I made the conscious decision to review my commitments and be more selective about the activities I pursued. I learned the importance of setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. It was a difficult process, but ultimately, it allowed me to regain a sense of balance in my life. I discovered that by prioritizing my time and focusing on what truly mattered, I could still reach my goals while also cherishing moments with loved ones and engaging in activities that brought me joy.
This transformative experience taught me invaluable lessons about the significance of self-care and the dangers of letting aspirations consume every aspect of our lives. College is a time of growth, exploration, and achievement, but it should also be a time of personal development and self-discovery. It is crucial to work hard and pursue our dreams, but we must also remember to nurture our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In conclusion, the year 2022-2023 challenged me in numerous ways, forcing me to confront my limitations and reassess my priorities. I learned that while setting personal and professional goals is important, it is equally essential to strike a balance and take care of ourselves. By learning to set boundaries, make compromises, and prioritize my well-being, I not only became more efficient and resourceful, but I also discovered the immense value of enjoying life's simple pleasures. College is not only about achieving success; it is about finding happiness and fulfillment amidst the challenges and demands.