By Tanzania Kennedy
Trinity Times Correspondent

Trinity Washington University student Aniyah Payne often finishes her shift at Chipotle late at night, then cracks open her schoolbooks to tackle the mountain of reading her classes require.

It’s a juggling act for the sophomore psychology major to balance a part-time job with full-time studies – one she admits she has struggled to maintain.

Payne’s experience is typical for Trinity students, many of whom balance rigorous class schedules with jobs, family responsibilities and, for some, side businesses.

College life brings new independence. No one is around to remind students about assignments or wake them up for class. As a result, those with part-time jobs often struggle to manage schoolwork and personal obligations.

That can lead to poor academic performance, less participation in social activities and neglect of personal responsibilities, leaving students like Payne searching for more hours than the day provides.

About 40% of full-time U.S. college students work part-time jobs while attending school, according to a 2020 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, highlighting the challenge of balancing shifts at work with demanding course schedules.

It’s a reality Trinity’s student advising staff tries to help new students navigate, especially at a university where many are the first in their families to attend college, said Roniesha Hardee, assistant director for advising at Trinity’s Center for Student Success.

Student advisers urge students to schedule courses around their jobs to ensure they can prioritize both work and school, while also stressing the importance of flexibility as course schedules change each semester, Hardee told the Trinity Times.

Procrastination has been a persistent obstacle for Trinity junior Timara Bullock, a forensic science major who works while attending school, and sometimes runs a side hustle delivering homemade cupcakes.

“I’m a big procrastinator,” Bullock admitted. “So, when I’m not working or I’m not in school, even though I probably should be studying or doing something that’s beneficial, I don’t, because I just don’t feel like doing it. But I feel like that also is a big obstacle, because you should use your time wisely as it helps stay on top.”

For Payne, focus has also been a challenge. After receiving grades she was not so proud of, she decided to schedule her study time with precision.

“Another thing I do that helps me to stay focused is, when I am studying, I don’t just study for a long amount of time,” Payne said. “Because that’s how you get burned out and tired easily, because it’s so much at once. So, I would say, definitely pace yourself, and if it’s helpful for you, have a written schedule where it breaks up the amount of work you’re studying so it’s not a lot on your mind.”

Both Payne and Bullock said they know Trinity offers academic resources such as the Writing Center and the Health and Wellness Center, but they believe the university does a poor job of promoting those services.

University officials say they send weekly emails to all students listing available resources and activities, post flyers across campus and provide information during orientations.

“I feel like they have resources that’s very useful, but it’s all about how you take advantage of them,” Bullock said. “Personally, I do not take advantage of them, and that’s another obstacle, but they do have room for improvement. Like with advisers, they don’t really help you. It’s like you’re helping yourself, and they just approve your classes, rather than guiding you through your classes.”

Hardee said advisers strive to help students develop good academic habits, but it is the student’s responsibility to schedule sessions with their assigned adviser.

“We strive to be accessible to students by hosting pop-up advising events, giving them a chance to get to know us and learn how to find us,” she said. “We also post flyers throughout campus featuring our photos and QR codes, so students can easily make advising appointments and become familiar with our faces.”

Despite the challenges, Bullock said her goal remains to graduate on time, even though she must balance work and school to pay rent while living independently.

Payne said she is determined to adopt a better academic mindset this semester after a difficult term last year – all while continuing to work and avoiding mental burnout.

For many Trinity students like Bullock and Payne, balancing academics, work and personal responsibilities remains a daily test of time and determination.