The Juggling Act: Balancing Academic and Business Pursuits -By Emmanuella Ojonimi Gabriel

As a student, I’ve often found myself torn between pursuing academic excellence and nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with three students who are navigating this very challenge. Elizabeth, Tayo, and Suzan shared their experiences and insights on balancing academics and business.

The Struggle is Real

I started by asking them about the challenges they face in juggling academics and business. Elizabeth, a business student with a passion for entrepreneurship, shared her perspective:

“For me, it’s all about time management. I have to prioritize my tasks and make sure I’m meeting my academic deadlines while also dedicating time to my startup. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

Tayo, a computer science student with a knack for innovation, echoed Elizabeth’s sentiments:

“I’m always juggling multiple projects at once. My app development business requires a lot of time and effort, but I have to make sure I’m also keeping up with my coursework. It’s a delicate balance.”

The Burnout Factor

Suzan, a marketing student with a part-time business, opened up about her struggles with burnout:

“To be honest, I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed lately. I’ve been putting in long hours for my business, and it’s taking a toll on my academic performance. I need to find a way to manage my stress and prioritize my well-being.”

The Rewards

Despite the challenges, all three students agreed that the rewards of juggling academics and business are worth it. Elizabeth shared:

“Running my own business has taught me so much about myself and about entrepreneurship. It’s given me a sense of purpose and direction that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Tayo added:

“Developing my app has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s amazing to see how something I created can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Suzan concluded:

“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I’m learning so much about myself and about business. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”

The Takeaway

As I concluded my conversation with Elizabeth, Tayo, and Suzan, I was struck by their resilience and determination. Juggling academics and business is a challenging but rewarding experience. By developing valuable skills such as time management, prioritization, and stress management, students can set themselves up for success in both arenas.