Balancing Act

[blacchic856]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I need some advice on life right now. Just started 12 credit hours (OChem1, Psy1, Bio2 all with labs), I'm physically on campus for classes 10:50 am - 7:05 pm 2 days a week with 10-15 minute breaks between classes. Ochem requires 3 hours of video lectures outside of in class meetings each week. I work the 3 other weekdays (~18 hours) with Saturday and Sunday free. I still need to gain recent volunteer/shadowing experience and my mother begins chemo next week. She'll be going once a week, indefinitely. Most likely, I'll be taking her ( a weekday).

2 weeks in and I'm already behind in each class and starting to feel a bit panicky. Can't drop any class as the deadline for a refund has passed and I can't afford the financial loss. I also want to start using my gym membership again.

Here's my idea to get back on track:
1. Wake up early and study before work/class. My brain is sharpest in the morning.
2. Use my 1.5 lunch break at work to study/take notes/watch video lectures.
3. Find a local hospital accepting Saturday volunteers and try my luck there
4. Live off of energy drinks
5. Hope my heart doesn't explode

I have no clue what to do about shadowing experience, I'm in class or at work during office hours. Aside from scheduling and writing down on a calendar every last detail of my life, not sure what else to do.It feels like there aren't enough hours in the day.

 

[matchmeifyoucan]

Can the school give you a partial refund? I know at both my current and previous schools, after a certain date, you could not drop classes but you could withdraw and get a partial refund.

 

[Kasey79]

1st semester physics and Bio 202 aren't bad even with labs. However, ochem is okay but you do need to put in a lot of time to practice and get things in place especially once you start synthesis problems to get a good grade and be prepared for second semester. How much longer until you graduate or finish post bacc? If you can put off the volunteering/shadowing for just a bit that might be the way to go especially if you can't cut out some of your work hours. In my experience I pushed myself too hard at times and ended up with some health problems that I am now trying to fix. Its really not worth it. Make sure you exercise and sleep and I would say def no on the energy drinks. Eating healthy, taking vitamins, and exercising will be your best bet for energy in the long run. Remember, your goal is to help people with their health but that doesn't mean sacrificing yours in the process.

 

[blacchic856]

Can the school give you a partial refund? I know at both my current and previous schools, after a certain date, you could not drop classes but you could withdraw and get a partial refund.

Nope. The deadline for 50% refund was a few days ago. They don't budge on that.

1st semester physics and Bio 202 aren't bad even with labs. However, ochem is okay but you do need to put in a lot of time to practice and get things in place especially once you start synthesis problems to get a good grade and be prepared for second semester. How much longer until you graduate or finish post bacc? If you can put off the volunteering/shadowing for just a bit that might be the way to go especially if you can't cut out some of your work hours. In my experience I pushed myself too hard at times and ended up with some health problems that I am now trying to fix. Its really not worth it. Make sure you exercise and sleep and I would say def no on the energy drinks. Eating healthy, taking vitamins, and exercising will be your best bet for energy in the long run. Remember, your goal is to help people with their health but that doesn't mean sacrificing yours in the process.

Next semester I only have Ochem II and Physics II with labs so maybe waiting until December/January to start volunteering would be the best option. I don't plan on working more than 3 days per week from now until after I take the MCAT next summer. I definitely don't want any set backs, health or otherwise.

 

[Jonny Seed]

How old are you? Have you explained your situation to your professors?

Most may be open to helping out a bit.

 

[blacchic856]

How old are you? Have you explained your situation to your professors?

Most may be open to helping out a bit.

I'm 26. Haven't talked to any of my professors yet.

I was also contemplating getting an overnight weekend job so my focus M-F can be on school/studying only but not sure how that will affect my sleep cycle. I've never worked a night shift or anything like that before.

 

[etp123]

From what it sounds like, I REALLY would not recommend you getting another job. You seem to be in panic mode and it's making you think you can take on more than you might be able to handle. Your school load already seems stressful with your job and your mother undergoing chemo. You also might need those weekends to just relax and unwind for your mental/emotional health.

It's fine, don't worry about doing volunteer or whatever other extracurriculars right now. If you're set on keeping your class schedule, why don't you just focus on that for 3 or so months and see how you're doing? If it turns out those classes are super easy for you, then hey great you can fit in volunteering! If you're swamped, then it's in your best interest to focus your time and energy on doing well in those classes and not get sidetracked from being spread too thin. You don't want to make the costly mistake of not doing well and then having to retake them. Hospitals and clinics will still be around for you to volunteer/shadow in next semester.

 

[GreenDuck12]

I agree. I made this mistake during undergrad fall semester of sophomore year. It's not worth the trouble it may cause later on. Focus on doing well in your classes, your family, and your mental health. Having a family member undergo chemo is stressful and you will need time to unwind. Best of luck to you and your family

From what it sounds like, I REALLY would not recommend you getting another job. You seem to be in panic mode and it's making you think you can take on more than you might be able to handle. Your school load already seems stressful with your job and your mother undergoing chemo. You also might need those weekends to just relax and unwind for your mental/emotional health.

It's fine, don't worry about doing volunteer or whatever other extracurriculars right now. If you're set on keeping your class schedule, why don't you just focus on that for 3 or so months and see how you're doing? If it turns out those classes are super easy for you, then hey great you can fit in volunteering! If you're swamped, then it's in your best interest to focus your time and energy on doing well in those classes and not get sidetracked from being spread too thin. You don't want to make the costly mistake of not doing well and then having to retake them. Hospitals and clinics will still be around for you to volunteer/shadow in next semester.

 

[FutureD0C17]

I'm taking physics II,ochem, and BIO, but I don't have the serious side issues you do ATM. Still, I'm feeling anxious! This load is no joke when you're shooting for A's. I don't know what to suggest for you, except to stop working if you can. Alternately, you might seriously need to start using those 1.5hr lunch breaks to study. Something has to give, just hope it isn't your sanity.

Taking these classes knowing you need A's is like squaring up against a bear, I mean, one lashing and you're just about done. Mass points def won't be made up in my chem class - class avg for the 1st test was a 59!

 

[blacchic856]

I'm taking physics II,ochem, and BIO, but I don't have the serious side issues you do ATM. Still, I'm feeling anxious! This load is no joke when you're shooting for A's. I don't know what to suggest for you, except to stop working if you can. Alternately, you might seriously need to start using those 1.5hr lunch breaks to study. Something has to give, just hope it isn't your sanity.

Taking these classes knowing you need A's is like squaring up against a bear, I mean, one lashing and you're just about done. Mass points def won't be made up in my chem class - class avg for the 1st test was a 59!

Squaring up against a bear is an accurate analogy. I've seriously contemplated axing the job for 3-4 months but I also know that unemployment isn't viewed favorably.
I must hold onto my sanity and its too late to turn back. One assignment at a time is the only way to get it done.

I must REALLY want to be a DOCTOR, could be on interviews for PA school right now lol