The Reality Of a Student

Balancing School, work, and life 

- My Reality as a student

Hi, my name is Luna, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about being both a high school and now a college student, it’s that life doesn’t press pause just because you have homework due at midnight. While some people picture college life as staying up late with friends, going to football games, or pulling all-nighters fueled by energy drinks, my reality looks pretty different.

For me, being a student means constantly trying to balance my education with the responsibilities of working two full-time jobs, paying bills, and somehow holding onto my mental health at the same time. It’s not easy, and honestly, most days it feels like there aren’t enough hours to get everything done. But this is my reality, and I know I’m not the only student going through it.

Life Outside of Class

When I clock into work after classes, I’m not just earning some extra “fun” money. I’m working because I have bills to pay, groceries to buy, and things I need to take care of on my own. I’ve been working since high school, and while it gave me independence, it also meant I rarely got to live that carefree “teen” life people talk about. My paychecks went to gas, school supplies, or helping with things I needed personally.

Now that I’m in college, the weight is even heavier. Classes demand more time, professors expect more responsibility, and at the same time, bills don’t disappear just because I need to study for an exam. Balancing two full-time jobs while being a student is like constantly juggling if I drop one ball, everything else feels like it’s going to come crashing down.

The Mental Health Side

I won’t lie this lifestyle takes a toll on my mental health. There are days when I wake up exhausted before the day even begins. Sometimes I feel like I’m living the same cycle on repeat: school, work, sleep (if I’m lucky), then wake up and do it again.

It’s easy to feel burnt out when you’re expected to perform well academically while also keeping up with work responsibilities. On top of that, there’s the pressure of planning for the future making sure I’m setting myself up for success while trying to survive the present moment. The stress doesn’t just live in my mind; it shows up in my body too, whether that’s tension headaches, loss of focus, or just feeling drained all the time.

But I know mental health matters. I’ve had to remind myself that even though I’m hustling to make ends meet, I also need to take time to recharge whether that’s a short walk, journaling, or just talking things out with friends who get it.

Why I Keep Going

So, why do I keep pushing myself through all of this? The answer is simple: I see a bigger picture. I’m not working and studying just for today I’m doing it because I want a better future. I want stability, a career I’m passionate about, and the freedom to not stress every single time a bill shows up.

Even when it feels overwhelming, I remind myself that this hard season won’t last forever. Every late night, every paycheck, every finished assignment it’s all part of building the foundation for the life I want later.

Tips for Other Students in the Same Boat

If you’re also balancing school, work, and life, here are a few things that have helped me (and maybe they’ll help you too):

1. Use a planner or calendar. Writing down deadlines and shifts helps me avoid last-minute stress.
2. Prioritize sleep. It’s tempting to sacrifice rest to get more done, but running on empty only makes everything harder.
3. Don’t be afraid to say no. Sometimes you just can’t take on extra hours or social events and that’s okay.
4. Find a support system. Whether it’s family, friends, or classmates, having someone to vent to makes a huge difference.
5. Set future goals. When things get tough, remembering why you’re doing it helps keep you going.

Resources That Have Helped

One thing that’s saved me money and stress is shopping smart. For example, I usually get my school and home essentials from Amazon because it saves me time I don’t have, and often the prices are better than running store to store. Finding little ways to cut costs and save time really adds up when you’re balancing so much at once.

You're not alone

Being a student isn’t easy, especially when you’re not only responsible for school but also for keeping your life afloat outside of it. Sometimes it feels unfair, like other students get to fully “live the college life” while I’m grinding nonstop. But at the same time, I know these challenges are shaping me into someone stronger, more resilient, and more prepared for whatever comes next.

So to anyone else out there who feels like they’re drowning in responsibilities know that you’re not alone. This road is tough, but every step forward is proof that you’re capable of so much more than you realize.