Article by Asia Nino | Owl Staff
Watching the sun set at Flying Point Park is Jenea Seaberry’s favorite place to decompress.
Here we go, another Monday. The start to a new week of juggling early mornings, work, parenting, school assignments, and everything in between. Sometimes, it feels like a cup of coffee, extra sugar and caramel sweetener won’t even do the trick.
As a 23 year old mother, college student, and full-time hairstylist, I used to find myself struggling to fill those roles and those who are affected by them. There are many other students who may feel the same, those who are barely floating above the surface of their ocean of responsibilities.
Although, as I continue to navigate my way through this complex young adulthood I am living, I realized how important putting myself first can be. Myself first; not my profession, not my studies, not even my child. Now before you judge that last statement, hear me out.
A fellow student, Jenea Seaberry is a perfect example of my testimony. During a short interview she stated she prioritizes time in greenery and rest during the weekends, then a strict list & schedule to complete through her school week.
“While it’s hard to form the habit of productivity at first, I push myself to abide by my schedule. Abiding by my own standards pushes me to abide by others,” states Seaberry.
Referencing the standards set by her bosses, family, and professors makes her able to show up for them because she showed up for herself first.
Plants and nature can increase student productivity and reduce stress.
I also have found the “put yourself first” mantra very helpful for myself as well. I set a strict 9:00 AM no bed rotting policy, Monday through Fridays. My daughter, Millie, usually wakes up around 10:30. Instead of aimlessly scrolling until she wakes up, I get up before her to allow myself to slowly enjoy my morning coffee, shower, and do a quiet assignment. Prioritizing my well-being allows me to be the best mom I can be.
Not only do I feel productive, I am setting up a habit and example for myself and my little one. It’s amazing what you can do for yourself in as little as an hour (and some change). On days I do not follow this regime, I feel lazy and disappointed in myself which puts me in a groggy mood that my daughter doesn’t deserve, nor does my college degree, or my clients at work.
“While it’s hard to form the habit of productivity at first, I push myself to abide by my schedule.”
Now apply this concept to a college student with no parental responsibilities and maybe one who doesn’t work either. That doesn’t mean the student doesn’t have responsibilities or people to make proud. This student may have lots of free time but does not use it wisely.
Bed-rotting, doomscrolling, and procrastinating were terms that were brought up more than once in the 10 interviews I conducted. We all do them, but how often we do it is what makes or breaks our day.
Another student, Meghan Kalck, says her key to success as a good student is time management. She is able to be the best she can be by setting a certain amount of hours towards school, work, then self-care. All three are equally important to her.
Meghan is a well-rounded student with a constant positive attitude who impresses her peers & her professors. It is easy to tell when someone takes care of themselves and their priorities which is something everyone would want in a student or a friend.
“Abiding by my own standards pushes me to abide by others.”
While I was unable to find a student interviewee with little to no self-care regimen, I was able to interview my mother, Vashelle Nino, a former high school teacher and librarian.
“I could tell when the students took care of themselves and when they didn’t,” Nino says.
The students who kept their binder neat, kept their hair groomed, and looked like they got enough sleep were the ones who exceeded my moms expectations in the classroom not just academically, but socially as well.
“Sadly, some students didn’t have the support or resources at home to help them, but it is important as a role model to teach them there are ways to take care of yourself in ways that money and others can’t buy,” Nino recalls.
At the end of the semester, a celebration is due for Jenea and her friends.
In the end, you will always come first above all else. Papers, a paycheck, business hours, they all mean nothing if there isn’t someone with pride in themselves behind those. Be proud of the accomplishments you’ve made, even if your biggest accomplishment today was that you took a shower and cleaned your room.
Put your well-being first always. Do that assignment. Get a full 8 hours of rest. Do your own nails. Do what makes you fulfilled! That is the true key to success.