Alt Text: A student walks down a bright hallway in the York University School of Continuing Studies, with wooden paneling and large windows, while another student sits at a table, focused on her work.
Life has a funny way of guiding you to the right places at the right times, even if you don’t quite
see it that way at the moment. My adventure began on a crisp winter morning when I first set
foot on the campus of York University School of Continuing Studies. As someone juggling a
part-time role in IT marketing and diving into a post-graduate certificate in Digital & Content
Marketing, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was my second course, and though
I had some idea of what to expect, the journey still felt fresh and exciting.
From the start, York University felt like a bustling community. I remember the first day
vividly—the nervous energy, the smell of freshly brewed coffee that everyone was carrying
around filling the hallway, and the palpable excitement in the air. The atmosphere was
welcoming yet intense, filled with the buzz of conversations and the quiet hum of anticipation.
My classes started at 8:30 am, which was dreadful for a night owl like me. Getting up early and
making it to class on time felt like a major accomplishment in itself. The early mornings were a
struggle, but they also added a sense of discipline and routine to my day.
Navigating the Demands of Education and Employment
Managing a part-time job while attending morning classes was no small feat. My work typically
ran in the evenings, so mornings were my time to focus on studies. There were days when I’d
rush from a long night of work keeping me awake to an early class, my mind still reeling from the
tasks of yesterday. It wasn’t easy to switch gears from work mode to study mode, but the
support I received from the university made a significant difference.
Alt Text: An animated penguin in a brown cap and gray sweater works on two devices, with a cup of coffee beside it.
Professors were particularly helpful. They were approachable and offered practical advice on
managing both work and study. Their willingness to provide guidance and address
career-related questions made a huge impact. One day stands out in particular. After a grueling
evening at work, I was feeling overwhelmed by an impending project. I reached out to one of my
professors, Leigh Mitchell, expecting just a quick response. Instead, she suggested we meet
after class. She took the time to listen to my concerns. Her advice on balancing work and study
was exactly what I needed and provided me with practical strategies to manage my workload
more effectively.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout the course, personal growth was a major theme. Public speaking, for instance, was
a significant hurdle for me. I recall a day when I had to present a marketing campaign idea.
Standing in front of the class, I felt nervous, but the supportive environment made a difference.
The positive feedback and encouragement from both peers and professors helped me gain
confidence. It was a pivotal moment that showed me how far I had come and deepened my
connection with the group.
Alt text: A group of students stands together in a classroom at York University, smiling and holding a sign.
A Few Tips for Finding Balance
🔺One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of scheduling around school. I try not to
base my school schedule around the days that I have to work. Rather, I do the opposite. One
thing that I always do is try to take morning classes so that I’m free in the evenings. I never
forget to put education first as it’s the pathway to my future.
🔺Giving myself a day to do nothing has also been crucial. It’s hard to set boundaries when I feel
like I have so much to do in such little time. Even now, I find myself constantly checking to see if
I should start my assignments weeks ahead of time. When I try to distract myself, my brain is
still running through ideas. I’m in the process of developing a habit where I leave one day of the
week to not think about school or work—usually Sundays. If I don’t do this, I get burnt out and
lose motivation to do anything.
🔺Setting realistic goals has been another lifesaver. I always make sure to complete my most
important school assignments before diving into work-related projects. Leaving the smaller tasks
for later makes the workload more feasible and keeps me organized. Creating a daily schedule
ensures that I meet my personal deadlines successfully.
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Alt Text: A serene penguin, adorned with glasses, sits cross-legged in a meditative pose, exuding a sense of calm and tranquility.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back on my time at York University, I see how each experience—whether it was a
challenging project, an early morning class, or a supportive conversation with a
professor—contributed to my growth. The blend of practical knowledge and personal
development has made a significant impact on my career and personal life. The early mornings,
the balancing act between work and study, and the everyday moments of connection all played
a part in making this a memorable and worthwhile experience.
Navigating this journey hasn’t always been easy, but with the right mindset and support, it’s
been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge, from balancing multiple responsibilities to
overcoming personal hurdles, has been a step toward a richer, more fulfilled life. As I continue
to balance my roles, I hold onto the belief that these experiences, though tough at times, are
shaping me for the future.
