The Pulse, November 1998

Balancing your education, a job and personal time can be a difficult task. Students make decisions every day that affect their future. College is the first real test of a student’s ability to establish an equilibrium. Antoinette Garabay, 27, a returning college student at Palo Alto, said, "Allotting your time according to your priorities is essential." Garabay is currently employed as a waitress, working 30 plus hours a week. She also is taking seven hours towards her teaching degree. "I think some of the younger college students haven’t developed the necessary time management skills," said Garabay, who also said that it took her years to get things straight. "It all comes with maturity." Amos McDonald, a St. Edward’s freshman majoring in International Business, is taking 12 hours of college credit and working 20 hours a week. "School should always be your first priority," said McDonald. McDonald lives at home with his parents in Austin to save money. "Living on your own is an expense many students can live without." Jason Kotara, a senior at The University of Texas in San Antonio works 32 hours a week and manages to take 12 hours toward his degree in Criminal Justice. "I decided that I focused on school not because I was forced to but because I wanted to," said Kotara. Over the years, he has developed a keen sense of self-discipline. "Instead of sleeping in because of a rough night, I stay home the night before my classes." Palo Alto sophomore Philip Cortez recommends getting an early start on registration. Cortez works as the district coordinator for City Councilman Ed Garza for 33 hours a week, and he puts in 12 hours here at Palo Alto. "It is necessary that I work for experience, not for money, so I take classes Tuesdays and Thursdays," Cortez said. "Without prior experience and a degree, I’ll never get to where I want to be." He wants to be a state representative. David Allen, 28, another returning college student, realizes the importance of his degree. He works 40 plus hours a week at H.E.B. as a stock control representative and takes 12 hours here at Palo Alto. Allen said that once he gets his degree, he will not have to work as hard and will get to spend more time with his children. He said that studying 10 to 12 hours a week contributes to his 4.0 grade average. Even though some employers are not flexible with scheduling, there are employers, such as Southwest Research Institute (SRI), willing to work with you. Tony Magaro, a SRI representative, said that the institute provides jobs for students who want experience in certain fields. "Find an employer that encourages education above anything else," said Magaro. "Question the employer. Find out how lenient they are." Another thing to consider when looking for an adequate job is distance. which makes work study here at Palo Alto attractive. There are many jobs available on campus. Some students work in the computer labs and others in the TASP office, to name a few possibilities. Sarah Alvarez, a sophomore, said that the hours on campus are really flexible. "My job is within walking distance from my classes," said Alvarez. That’s convenient." Lino Mireles, 24, another Palo Alto student works at UpstageCenter. "My hours vary giving me more time to study," he said. Mireles also said that ROTC classes in high school taught him discipline. Aside from his self-discipline, group studying has helped him keep focused. According to Stephen R. Covey, the author of "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," you will experience frustration in your search for success. "Remember, frustration is a function of our expectations, and our expectations are often a reflection of the social mirror rather than our own values and priorities." Covey recommends for those in search of the perfect equilibrium to know your values and goals. From there, you will develop your priorities. Once they are established, you will not be as stressed.

Next