Student to Student: Advice from Our Writers (Part 2)

BYU-Pathway writers share how they learned to be successful as students

BY: BYU-Pathway Worldwide

BYU‑Pathway Worldwide students are all unique, but they often face similar challenges as they pursue education.

Four of BYU‑Pathway’s full-time employees and writing interns have compiled tips they found useful when striving to balance gaining an education, making a living, and becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. They are learning how to make sense of and manage all their responsibilities — just like you! Check out their advice as working students for students.

Breanne Su’a

Senior Copywriter, BYU‑Idaho Graduate

I graduated in 2015 with an English degree from BYU‑Idaho. For me, education was all about finding the balance between pursuing my passions and finding my long-term career — that balance made all the stress during school worth it!

• Study your passions. I’ve loved to write and tell stories ever since I was a young girl. So I looked for degree programs and part-time jobs that allowed me to refine those passions and prepared me for a meaningful career. Studying something I love made school fun and motivated me to do my best.
• Turn your passions into a career. Ever heard that when you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life? Writing for a living has not only brought me joy and fulfillment, but it has also helped me excel in my career in a way I don’t think would be possible if I wasn’t doing what I loved. Finding balance in life will be much easier when you do something that makes you happy.

Ammon Teare

Writing and Messaging Intern, Utah State University Graduate

When I was a student, I had the privilege of gaining real-world experience through my part-time job and my degree coursework. Here are a couple ways I have learned to stay on top of things.

• Eliminate distractions. If you’re anything like me, you may find yourself easily distracted by activities that are more exciting than schoolwork. In order to be productive, I need to find a dedicated space where I can focus and complete my assignments.
• Write first, edit later. You may be self-conscious about your writing as you’re in the process of planning or drafting your assignments. Try getting your ideas on the page first and then reviewing what you’ve written later, rather than trying to get it perfect on the first try.

Bri 

Writing and Messaging Intern, BYU‑Idaho Student

I’m currently getting my bachelor’s degree in communication. I’m often working multiple jobs and taking difficult classes, and here’s what helps me not only get things done, but enjoy them too.

• Eat the biggest frog first. There’s a saying, often attributed to Mark Twain, that says if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, nothing worse can happen during the day. To be clear, I don’t eat frogs, but I like to think of my daily tasks as “frogs.” I always recommend “eating” the biggest task first. Then you can enjoy your day because the worst is behind you!
• Always start with a prayer. I start my day by making a list of everything I want to get done and then praying about it. Sometimes God has suggestions for what I should accomplish and prioritize. Starting your day with a prayer will give you greater motivation and lessen the stress.

Kaytee

Writing and Messaging Intern, BYU Graduate

I just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in editing and publishing. I had a lot of chances to learn how to balance my responsibilities while I was completing my degree and working part-time jobs!

• Trust your instincts. You know you best! When you’re balancing priorities, applying for jobs, or making other decisions, gather all the information you can from mentors, experts, and the Lord, and then do what works for YOU.
• Choose an affirmation. When you’re wrestling with priorities and stressing over tasks, having something reassuring to tell yourself can make a big difference. My affirmation right now is “You were made for this!”

As you organize your priorities and set goals, try incorporating some of these tips to help you succeed. You don’t have to do all of them at once, and some might work better for you than others. Pick one or two and get started!

What advice do you have for other students? Comment below!