Balance by Rebecca

Balance by Rebecca - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Being a mom, a student, and a track thrower all at once is a juggling act that I never imagined would be so challenging, yet so rewarding. Each role demands my time, energy, and dedication, and balancing them has been one of the most significant academic and personal challenges I have faced during my time at Valley City State University.

When I first started college, I was determined to pursue my passion for teaching through my major in Teacher Education. At the same time, I was committed to being the best mom I could be to my child. Adding track into the mix was a decision I made because throwing has always been a source of joy and stress relief for me. However, managing all three roles required a level of organization and resilience I had not fully anticipated.

The most challenging aspect of balancing these roles is time management. There are only so many hours in a day, and I often found myself feeling stretched thin. Between attending classes, completing assignments, training for track meets, and taking care of my child, I had to find a way to fit everything into my schedule without compromising the quality of my efforts in any area.

To overcome this challenge, I had to become incredibly disciplined with my time. I started by creating a detailed schedule that outlined every hour of my day. I prioritized my responsibilities, making sure to allocate time for studying, training, and, most importantly, family. I learned to make the most of small pockets of time, like studying during my child's nap or reviewing notes while waiting for practice to start.

Another important strategy was learning to ask for help and lean on my support system. I am fortunate to have family and friends who are willing to step in and help with childcare when I have exams or track meets. Their support has been invaluable and has reminded me that it is okay to rely on others when trying to balance multiple responsibilities.

Staying flexible and adapting to changes has also been crucial. There are days when things do not go as planned—when my child gets sick, or a practice runs longer than expected. In those moments, I have learned to adjust my schedule and stay focused on my priorities without getting discouraged.

This experience has taught me the importance of self-care. I realized that to be effective in all my roles, I need to take care of myself both physically and mentally. This means ensuring I get enough rest, eating well, and taking time to recharge, even if it is just a few minutes of quiet reflection each day.

Balancing being a mom, student, and track thrower has not only been a challenge but also a source of immense personal growth. I have become more resilient, organized, and capable of handling stress. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career as a teacher, where multitasking and managing diverse responsibilities are part of the job.

Moreover, this experience has deepened my empathy and understanding for the struggles of others. I know firsthand how hard it can be to juggle multiple roles, and this awareness will help me connect with my future students, especially those who face their own challenges outside of school.

In conclusion, balancing these three important roles has been a challenging yet transformative experience. It has taught me valuable lessons about time management, the importance of a support system, and the need for self-care. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and I am motivated to continue pursuing my goals with the same determination and resilience. This journey has reinforced my passion for teaching and my commitment to being a positive role model for my child and future students.