Balancing College Life: Skills from a PR Student’s Final Semester
As an Advertising and PR student, I’ve learned that success often means mastering the art of juggling classes, internships, extracurriculars, and everything in between. Now, being a senior in my final semester, that balance has become second nature. Between rowing, serving as an Advertising Representative for the Grand Valley Lanthorn, working as an Account Associate for GrandPR, and staying active in both the Red Cross Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA), my days are full and fulfilling.
People often ask how I manage it all. The truth? It’s about prioritizing balance, pursuing what fuels your passion, and preparing intentionally for life after graduation.
Lesson 1: Embracing the Joy of Missing Out
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in college is embracing the joy of missing out rather than fearing it. I can’t attend every practice, meeting, or event, and that’s okay. Early on, I thought being “all in” meant saying yes to everything, which eventually left me feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin. By setting clear priorities and communicating them honestly, I’ve stayed engaged along the way without burning out. In addition, now being selective with my commitments allows me to dedicate my full energy to initiatives I truly care about. Choosing to focus on the commitments that bring me the most growth, purpose, and joy has allowed me to give my best where it truly counts.
Lesson 2: The Power of Downtime
As productive as I am, another necessity of mine has been learning to invite and value downtime. I used to believe that if I wasn’t studying, working, or training, I was wasting my time. That mindset left me constantly stressed and feeling guilty for spending time doing hobbies I enjoy.
Over time, I’ve discovered that rest isn’t wasted, it’s fuel. Allowing myself to unplug and enjoy simple things like painting, spending time with friends, or going for a walk gives me a much-needed mental reset. Those creative breaks recharge my mind and help me return to my responsibilities more attentively and energized.
Lesson 3: Time Management Tools are Crucial
One practical tool that has completely transformed how I manage my time is a calendar. I use Google Calendar and Google Tasks to block out time for classes, practices, meetings, and deadlines (each in different colors) so I can clearly visualize my week and workload. To stay organized, I keep all my schoolwork and projects neatly sorted in Google Drive folders, ensuring no documents get lost. Daily task lists are another effective method for tackling smaller responsibilities between larger commitments. These systems help me stay focused, avoid last-minute panic, and spend less time wondering what to work on. Most importantly, these resources allow me to assess the structure of what’s coming and make time for what matters most.
Lesson 4: Building Meaningful Relationships
In public relations, relationships are just as valuable as skills. So far, I’ve made it a priority to build strong connections with professors, coaches, and organization leaders. This can appear as attending office hours, writing handwritten thank-you notes, or being honest about when I need extra time or support. These relationships have shaped my communication style through authenticity and professionalism. As I prepare to enter the workforce, I know that the relationships I’ve built will be just as impactful as the lessons I’ve learned inside and outside of the classroom.
Lesson 5: Preparing Ahead
Preparation for the upcoming weeks ahead has been one of my favorite forms of self-care, as it keeps me grounded when life gets hectic. Every Sunday, my roommate and I meal prep for the week, which turns into both an organizational tool and a fun tradition together. Having meals ready helps me stay fueled with the proper nutrition, especially as a rower balancing intense practices with long days of classes and meetings.
I also use weekends to get ahead on schoolwork, whether that means working on assignments early or bringing my laptop to rowing competitions. While this might sound excessive, these habits help me from feeling buried during the week and allow me to be more present at practices, meetings, and events.
About Rachel
Rachel Speare is a senior at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing. She currently serves as an Account Associate for GrandPR, works as an Advertising Representative for The Lanthorn, and is a member of the Grand Valley rowing team. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a role in sales, marketing, or public relations.