Did I spend enough time studying for that quiz? Am I prepared for my midterms? If I schedule one morning class and one afternoon class, will I have enough time to grab a snack in between? Am I pulling my weight on this group project? Are 18 credits too much with my work schedule? When is that paper due again? Am I being the best student I can be?
Questions such as these are often universal for college students.
As a married father of one, I deal with the pressures of family life in addition to the common stressors of my peers: Am I splitting my time well between school and family? Do I give my 6-year-old daughter enough of my time and attention? Am I being the best partner possible to my wife? Am I working sufficient hours to cover rent and power this month? Am I doing enough around the house? Am I creating ample memories for my family? Do we have enough to cover books and bills this term? Am I being a good father and husband?
It would be easy to falter when faced with these concerns.
I’m grateful that my partner is amazingly nurturing and that our family is unwaveringly supportive. My parents-in-law, Jeff and Ann, both went back to college later in life and helped inspire me to follow my passions by taking on the challenge of higher education. More important, they’ve been there for me in life outside of school as well. Having that powerful support system at home is crucial to my success as a student and something I’m endlessly grateful for.
In addition to how lucky I am to have my family in my corner, I also have the support of the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). Its close-knit and motivating faculty and colleagues offer me endless avenues to explore in my academic pursuits. Every professor I’ve been fortunate to learn from has had a true open-door policy. If I have any questions about an assignment, quiz, exam or just an idea, they’re here for me and thrilled to talk out the process. Not only are they here to help me achieve my dreams, but they’re also excited to do it.
What’s more, the advisors in the SOJC Student Services office offer support in not just scheduling classes, but also in planning for your future. They help you make your aspirations attainable. The support I receive from my advisors (shoutout to Sam and Emily) is invaluable. As a first-generation college student, I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t be here, writing this, without my advisors’ support and encouragement.
As an SOJC student, I also have access to state-of-the-art technology in the Experience Hub and Equipment Checkout, peer-to-peer writing support at Writing Central, and assistance searching for jobs and internships as well as scholarships. The SOJC helps relieve so many of the burdens that could plague me as a student.
Because of the SOJC and its faculty, I get the opportunity to focus on just being the best student possible while I’m here — the home away from home I call Allen Hall.
—By Johnny Media
Johnny Media is a junior majoring in journalism with a minor in sports business. This is Media’s first year writing for the SOJC Communication Office. He has previously written for The Commuter and is currently working as a student ambassador for the SOJC. He loves getting opportunities to highlight the amazing alumni who have come through Allen Hall. You can view more of his work on his personal blog.