Written by: Emma Devico ’25
Balancing It All: Finals Week Edition
Meet Amy Stevens ‘26, a junior education major with a focus on mathematics and a minor in Spanish and Latin American studies. Amy is very involved on campus, serving as a Resident Assistant for The Apartments at 490 Prospect Street, a Lillian Adley Germain ‘57 Center for Academic Success leader and tutor, the Vice President of the Honors Program, and the captain of the Women’s Soccer team. How does she balance it all—academics, leadership roles, athletics, and a social life—especially during the chaos of finals week? Here’s a glimpse into her strategies and tips.
Tip 1: Google Calendar is Your Best Friend
What’s Amy’s secret weapon? Google Calendar.
“It runs my life during the semester, especially during finals week,” she shares. With a packed schedule of tutoring appointments, final exams, and athletic commitments, staying organized is a must for Amy, not just during finals week, but throughout the school year. Amy plans her days to ensure there is time not only for studying but also for relaxation and socializing.
Tip 2: Prioritize and Plan Ahead
What’s her advice? Prioritize and plan ahead.
Planning specific times for different responsibilities helps Amy balance her busy schedule. By sticking to her schedule, she ensures she doesn’t overlook the importance of self-care, even during the busiest weeks.
Tip 3: Create Distraction Free-Zones
Amy keeps her phone out of reach, working in 20-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. This technique helps her stay focused without burning herself out. She says “It’s like a reward! Locking in for short periods of time, then rewarding myself with screen time (mainly scrolling through TikTok for those 5 minutes) is something I found very helpful in my studying over the years.”
Tip 4: Be an Active Problem-Solver
As an education major, Amy uses a whiteboard to rewrite and revisit problems she’s struggled with. This hands-on approach helps her remember important information while boosting her knowledge and confidence.
Tip 5: Utilize Campus Resources
Amy knows the value of seeking help when needed. As both a tutor and a student, she frequently goes to the Germain Center for support.
Tip 6: Don’t Do Too Much!
What doesn’t work? Multitasking. For Amy, focus is key, and trying to do too many things at once only leads to frustration and stress.
Tip 7: Manage Your Stress
Even someone as organized as Amy isn’t immune to stress.
“When I get stressed, I just like to be alone,” she says. Her go-to coping mechanisms include watching her favorite show, Abbott Elementary, or playing Fortnite—a nightly event she plays with her friends to relax after a hard day. Amy’s self-awareness is her greatest asset. Recognizing when she’s nearing burnout allows her to step back, recharge, and come back stronger and ready to take on what’s next on her busy calendar.
Let’s recap!
Organization is a big part of balancing such a busy schedule. Tools like Google Calendar will help you keep track of assignments, meetings, and practices to ensure nothing gets forgotten or left behind. Finding study methods that work for you is also important. If a method doesn’t work immediately, try different approaches until you find the one that helps you stay focused and retain information effectively. Prioritizing self-care is also essential, especially during hectic times. Taking good care of your physical and mental health will help you maintain the energy and motivation needed to tackle your responsibilities. Amy is an excellent example of how the right mindset combined with strategies can lead to success.
Resources
Want to learn more about how campus leaders like Amy manage their time? Check out resources at the Germain Center or connect with student leaders through campus events!