Campus Club ambassador Jerel Awong shares how he learned that stepping back from schoolwork isn't falling behind. It's a reset that leads to better focus and results.
As a student, I understand how challenging it can be to balance everything at once.
With deadlines approaching and assignments piling up, it can sometimes feel like there is no finish line. The pressure to constantly perform can make you feel like school is your entire identity.
But one important lesson I've learned is that while education plays a major role in growth and development, it does not define who you are as a person.
Rest Is a Reset, Not a Setback
At times, stepping away from work can bring feelings of guilt. It may feel like you should always be studying or working ahead. However, I've realized that taking a step back is a reset, and it helps me come back with better focus and clarity.
Taking a step back is not falling behind, it's resetting.
Giving yourself space to breathe allows you to return with better focus and clarity. For me, this reset might look like watching a soccer match, putting on a movie, going for a walk, or spending time with friends.
Even something as simple as calling family can make a difference, especially for international students who may not see their loved ones often.
Progress Happens One Step at a Time
Life moves quickly, but progress happens one step at a time. A house is not built overnight, and burnout can undo weeks of productivity just as quickly.
That's why time management has been essential for me. I use a calendar to map out study hours outside of class while intentionally leaving gaps for personal time.
Those breaks are just as important as the study sessions.
Studying Effectively, Living Intentionally
Since adopting this balance, I've seen real results academically while still maintaining a life outside of school. Remember that success is not about studying every hour of the day, it’s about studying effectively and living intentionally.
Success is not about studying every hour of the day, it's about studying effectively and living intentionally.
About the Author
Jerel Awong is a second-year statistics student at York University, pursuing a concentration in actuarial mathematics with a growing interest in data analytics. He has completed two actuarial exams and is preparing to write two more, SRM and FAM, by the end of the summer. This year, he is preparing to begin his first internship with a Canadian insurance company. At York University, he serves as Director of Communications for the Actuarial Science Club and as a Campus Ambassador. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he developed a strong sense of community through volunteer work during his final years of high school. His go-to study soundtrack is Radiohead, especially during midterm and finals season.