During high school, especially my senior year, I was determined to make myself known and become apart of everything! I was told by older friends, family, and loved ones that senior year would fly by and to make the most of those times. I took all that advice to heart and signed up for everything that I was able to. Not only did I sign up, but I held a lot of leadership positions as well. Needless to say, this left me feeling extremely burnt out by the end of the year. Although I value those great times, it really became too much for me to handle sometimes.
One of the main things that attracted me to Mason was the diversity found here. So when I first got accepted, I knew there would be tons and tons of clubs and organizations to choose from. However, by the time summer ended and the year was about to begin, I had gotten used to doing nothing. Even though, I heard my Patriot Leader over-emphasize the importance of getting involved, I told myself that I wouldn’t join anything at Mason because I worked myself so hard in high school. I wanted time to enjoy college and take everything in. That was one of the biggest mistakes I could’ve made. I really enjoyed that time of relaxation for the summer, but my mind was ready to get back into high gear once I started at Mason.
Often times as leaders, we don’t know how to balance or manage our time properly. As a result, we usually work ourselves to death. I was torn between becoming involved for fear of working myself too hard and just not doing anything at all. Also, living on a floor with such motivated, inspiring people didn’t help at all either. 🙂 Everyone around me was getting involved in some form and I was just chillen. I’m a firm believer that too much of anything can cause problems. How do you find balance in being a leader? When do you say this is too much? How do you know when you’ve signed up for too much? Is taking time for yourself a bad thing?
Just a few thoughts of mine…
February 21st, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Chauncey, I feel the same exact way!! I decided that I would still be very involved, but I would be very cautious and aware of how many clubs and leadership positions I took up. A good thing about the chaos of senior year is that I learned what too much feels like. So now I know when to stop joining things and to keep picking things up! Which is a good quality of leadership, because its better to do wonderful work in a few things than nothing in a lot.
February 22nd, 2013 at 3:23 pm
I just really sometimes have to separate myself. Even though I’m like AHHH I would really LOVE to help lead that organization or take that class or join that executive board, I have to look at my priorities and say no. In addition, I think in college it’s important to have a focus in mind and only do things that you know you will really enjoy or will help you further yourself and your career goals, otherwise you will find yourself in 4 years with a ton of experience, but nothing relevant to put on your resume.
February 26th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Chauncey! I definitely felt the same way when I came to Mason. Good ‘ole Indian River High School exhausted me from wanting to be a part of every aspect of the school from varsity sports to student government. Coming to Mason I had the same mentality that finally I would take the back seat and let someone else play the leader for once. One thing I have learned, however, is that leadership does not stop. What avenue we choose to exercise our leadership is up to us, but leadership as an action never stops.
February 26th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
It is definitly hard finding that balance between clubs and school. Its almost like you want to take advantage of evry oppurtunity that is offered to you, but at some point you have to reevaluate your circumstances. I suggest making a schedule. I ever used to in high school, but so much goes on in college and the work load is a killer. Anywhozer…I agree with what Mimi and Anette have said about knowing your limit. When you start feeling burnt out o a constant daily basis ,maybe it is time to rethink your commitments. I also don’t think it is a bad thing to take some time to yourself…because your brain needs to destress and relax.
February 27th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
I can really see were you are coming from Chauncey because I was that same high school senior. I was involved in so much because I wanted my resume and application to be so outstanding that any college would lucky to have me. I spread myself way to thin and I felt like every second of my life was dedicated to some meeting, or sports, or an officer position etc. I told myself at college I was going to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride but now that I sit in my room all night and bored to tears, I wish that I was more involved here at Mason. Its weird because like you said the patriot leaders stressed getting involved and now I can’t even remember what they said to do to find groups that we would like. I hope (for both of our sakes) that we find our niche here and hopefully embark on this wonderful journey they call college with a great group of friends and some social clubs very soon!