Everybody has titles.
Whether pertaining to their jobs, relationship status, whatever – a title reflects how someone allocates their time and demonstrates who they are as a person. Some might argue that my most important title at this point in my life would be “student.” I disagree.
I am a writer.
Lyndsie Kiebert
Argonaut
As an English major and journalism minor, I am learning about several styles of writing. As an editor and writer for The Argonaut, I write about all kinds of events, people and opinions. But neither of those things makes me a writer – they make me a student.
The things that make me a writer are my unique perspective, my desire to tell stories and my ability to do so. While my life as a student can contribute to my writing habits, who I strive to become can be lost in my often overwhelming status as a student.
While this might sound like the precursor to an existential crisis, my point is this – time management shapes who I am.
The term “time management” carries many childish connotations. Advice for balancing homework, work and a social life comes to mind. But what we often forget is even more integral to our development, especially as college students are our personal goals and passions, beyond obtaining a degree.
My GPA is high. My coworkers seem to appreciate my work. I have good relationships with my friends and family. I have that portion of my time management skills figured out.
As far as being a writer – a true sit-down, reflect, build-stories-simply-to-practice-my-craft writer – I am lacking.
About a year ago I wasn”t feeling like myself. I came to realize it was because I”d spent all time on my schoolwork, job and relationships without writing a single thing that was just for me. So I took some time to work on personal pieces – the ones I hope to turn into published works some day – and I reconnected with a part of me that I”d lost thanks to that beautiful thing college kids call “adulting.”
I know I”m not the only one, and I know it doesn”t just apply to aspiring writers. It is worthwhile for students to consider what parts of themselves they are giving up in order to succeed in school.
Classes and jobs are important, as well as having a healthy social life, but those little passions that excite us and define who we are outside of our educational experience are equally as important. Art, activism, cooking or spelunking – whatever it is, any passion is worthwhile.
When I stopped writing for personal purposes, I lost a little chunk of myself and noticed a negative change. While college is a stressful time and success always seems to be an extra assignment away, taking a step back could end up being a step forward.
I am a student and writer, and I can be both without compromising my identity because I”ve discovered that time management is more than just books and social outings. It”s about personal enrichment.
Students were people with interests and passions before they were students. Let”s embrace that.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert