For the Student Who Wants to Do It All

Written by Kobi Dent

Our time at NYU and Stern is limited to four short years, and all the opportunities this school and city have to offer constantly make me wish there were more hours in a day.

Throughout my life, I’d say I’ve been through my fair share of interviews. I work three on-campus jobs, and in interviewing for them a recurring question I was asked was “How do you plan to balance (insert new job or leadership position here) with all that you’re currently doing?” As an interviewee, it’s clear what the interviewer is alluding to. They want someone who can handle responsibility and manage their time well. As students, we have enough classwork to bog us down, and it seems unbelievable to think that with all that pressure already, students voluntarily join clubs, take on various leadership positions, do community service, and get part-time jobs. Whenever I’m confronted with this question, I’m tempted to respond with the brutal truth: “I probably won’t be able to balance it well with what I’m currently doing—but I’ll make it work.”

The stress of responsibility eats away at me until the anxiety leaves me feeling empty inside. I panic, which causes me to go into autopilot mode. I put emotion aside and face the reality of having to cram slides for an upcoming Student Council meeting and an essay into one night, while simultaneously planning when I’m going to get lunch in between classes when that time is almost completely designated to making copies for the University Learning Center.

Truth be told, I spread myself too thin. I give myself more stress than I need to. But would I have it any other way? No.

As my junior year comes to a close, I reflect on how quickly this time has gone by. The opportunities and experiences I’ve had in college thus far are undoubtedly the reason I’ve become the person I am today. And while it has been a turbulent journey with many low points, I’ve experienced the highest of highs as well. I truly understand the sentiment of those who encourage others to take it slow and not agree to too many things. I know they’re hoping to save others from burnout. But I feel there’s very little said in encouragement for the outrageous ones like me. The ones who do all they can—and more—and still make it out (mostly) unscathed. The ones who would sacrifice sleep if it means taking on another passion project. The ones who spend their free time trying to figure out how to fit in a second minor (I’ve almost got it sorted out, I promise).

Our time at NYU and Stern is limited to four short years, and all the opportunities this school and city have to offer constantly make me wish there were more hours in a day. So even though I’m limited to 24, there’s no way I’m letting anyone stop me from making the most of them.