By Cydney Buriss, Special to the Journal
The quest for balance feels like a never-ending journey. As a college student learning to navigate academics, work, relationships, and self-care, I often felt like I was back in middle school on field day playing tug-of-war, pulling with all my strength while also being dragged between my personal and my academic life. That was, until I became familiar with the resources at Pellissippi State Community College. Managing all my responsibilities between supporting myself financially while also improving my education and passing my classes became a lot less frightening and exhausting. As a Pellissippi State student myself, I want to share how the college has supported me in my journey as a returning student, giving me another opportunity to get things done the right way. While learning to balance the demands of college life, I’m discovering that managing work pressures, nurturing relationships, and practicing intentional self-care are not separate challenges but interconnected parts of building a healthy and sustainable life as a college student.
Balancing Work and Financial Stability
Being financially stable while attending school as a full-time student is one of my biggest challenges. The pressure of working two jobs while going to school and retaining the information to pass my classes with the best grades possible is a struggle I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Working college students face increasing pressure as new federal policies are reshaping financial resources, as described by Carla Fletcher and May Helena Plumb in their article, Working Students Face New Challenges in a Shifting Policy Landscape.
Thankfully, Pellissippi State offers several financial resources that lower the pressure on a student’s financial stress. With less financial worry, students can focus on their education and graduate. Pellissippi State offers a variety of scholarships and grants, including ones geared toward specific groups of students, such as the Tennessee Reconnect Grant. Federal Student Loans are also available for students who may need additional support. Something new I have learned about Pellissippi State myself is the work-study positions they offer students who are seeking extra income. The work-study jobs, located both on and off campus, help students by providing work environments related to the student’s field of study.
Lastly, the Student Care and Advocacy office offers students guidance in connecting with community resources during financial emergencies. I personally know a few students who received groceries through Pellissippi State’s food pantry, which sustained them throughout the week and relieved the stress of worrying about how they would afford food during difficult times. By easing the financial burden, Pellissippi State enables students to invest more in their academic success without having to sacrifice study time for work.
Relationships and Community
At Pellissippi State, I learned that college is about building relationships and finding my place just as much as it is about academic work. I’ve discovered the value of prioritizing quality time over simply filling my schedule, choosing friends who respect my goals, and blending fun with focus. At Pellissippi State, students are encouraged to build meaningful connections while maintaining balance through campus engagement, clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities that help students meet peers, faculty, and staff.
Pellissippi State also offers volunteering and civic engagement, which has been a personal favorite of mine. In volunteering, I have built purpose, served my community, and grown personally and professionally. Pellissippi State also offers other ways to be involved in the campus community by offering student recreation, intramurals, and excursions. This supports the well-being of college students by encouraging an active lifestyle and building relationships. Joining study groups, volunteer projects, or shared hobbies has helped me combine my personal life and school life in a way that feels balanced and successful.
Self-Care for Students: Finding the Necessary Space to Breathe
Self-care is always essential, and knowing how to balance it with academic responsibilities is critical. As a student, I had days when I felt restless, and that strain has shown up in my academic performance before. Now that I am aware of what Pellissippi State offers to help students recharge and maintain their mental and emotional health, I have been able to perform much better. One major resource that has helped me a lot as a student is the counseling service. This department provides free, confidential support for students dealing with personal challenges. It has been extremely helpful to be able to express my concerns or worries and receive effective feedback from a professional who is familiar with my situation.
Pellissippi State also offers quiet spaces in the student lounge where students can relax or study between classes. This is especially helpful for students who have had a long day on campus or who are taking online classes but need a space to focus with no distractions. If students want to combine fun and creativity with education, then checking out Pellissippi State’s Lifelong Learning courses may be helpful. These courses offer students opportunities that can be enjoyable and restorative.
Ultimately, Pellissippi State’s commitment to student wellness has shown me that caring for my well-being is not separate from my education but an essential part of succeeding in college.
Achieving Academic Excellence While Preventing Burnout
Pellissippi State helps to make academic success both achievable and sustainable by providing academic resources designed to help students thrive without sacrificing their well-being. For example, Pellissippi State offers free tutoring both online and in person. This provides students with the support they need to succeed. Another helpful resource is the open computer labs provided to students for use of technology that may not be easily accessible outside of campus, such as computers, printers, and scanners. This is an experience I do not take for granted, as I previously struggled to access reliable technology to print my assignments. Additional study spaces for students at Pellissippi State include bulletin boards and the library. These areas create space for creativity, collaboration, and focused academic work. The library also offers a variety of books to explore, including books that dig deeper into my career field and ones for enjoying personal favorites like romance novels.
A resource I have recently enjoyed is Imaginary Gardens. This is a literacy space that brings together creativity, lifestyle, sports, education, and more topics for Pellissippi State students. I have personally connected with several of the articles and felt more seen as a college student. Career Development and Work-Based Learning programs are also available to better prepare students for future careers.
Most importantly, at Pellissippi State, no student is left out. Students with disabilities can receive accommodations through Disability Services, providing equal access to learning. These resources help make education feel purposeful and motivating. If students need help navigating through all the support available at Pellissippi State Community College, the advisors are there to help reduce unnecessary stress and maintain balance while striving for academic success.
Remaining Whole During It All
Ultimately, finding balance as a college student isn’t meant to be about having it all together but about learning to lean on the support around us. Balancing work, relationships, self-care, and academics is a journey. Pellissippi State supports resources that help students navigate these pressures. I’ve relied on many of these resources myself, and they made my college experience not just manageable, but meaningful. As students continue their own quest for balance, remember that it doesn’t have to be done alone. Pellissippi State’s community, support systems, and opportunities are here to help every student succeed.
Although college brings challenges, with the right support, it can become a time of growth, connection, and discovery. I wish all students the best as we continue finding what we’re passionate about and striving toward our goals together.
