Domonique Gray

I think balancing academics and your personal life is extremely important in college. First, academics are very important to your college experience. It is vital that you do your best in every single class, no matter how easy or hard, interesting or boring. Make sure you turn in your work on time and put your very best into each assignment and exam. Your GPA is more important than you think, especially in your first semester of college. If your GPA in the first semester is bad, it can be extremely difficult to get it back up. I had a friend who wasn't showing up to class, not finishing their work, and slacking off. They ended up on academic probation their first year, and it took a lot to get their GPA to a reasonable number. To prevent stress, make sure to implement time management strategies, and most important, do not procrastinate! When it comes to your personal life, make sure your not making academics the only thing you focus on because you will experience burnout. My best advice for maintaining a personal life would be to get involved in your school! College has so many clubs, organizations, and opportunities that appeal to all different kinds of people and personalities. Also, don't be afraid to try new things. I hadn't played soccer since I was 12 years old, but I decided to join the women's club soccer team and I had so much fun! I learned so many soccer skills, stayed healthy, and made so many meaningful friends. I became the marketing director for a forensic science organization and also learned how to do so many things. Getting involved in your school will completely enhance your college experience. Go to football and basketball games, engage in corny college traditions, and actively try to make new friends! I had another friend who refused to get involved in our school, and they were experiencing slight depression and burnout. Mostly, they were afraid of talking to people and making new friends. It may be scary to get to know others but put your best out there! You'll be surprised how fulfilling it is to be social and gain a purpose other than academics. To balance these two things, make a schedule for yourself. For example, I went to soccer practice on Tuesday and Thursday nights, so I made sure I finished my homework during the day, or the day before. Also, I made sure I planned out essays and bigger assignments, so I didn't have to worry about finishing the day before it was due. Another crucial step I took was making sure I didn't have any homework to do on the weekends. I actively strived to do all my work Monday through Friday, so on Saturday and Sunday I had plenty of time to go to sports games, attend a party, school events, go out to eat with friends, and go to church. Lastly, when you strive to make new friends and try new things, make sure that you are keeping good company around you. This may sound disappointing, but you shouldn't be friends with people who want to break laws or school rules! Underage drinking and smoking may seem fun and cool, but there are so many consequences to engaging in that kind of behavior. Alcohol can become an addiction the more you do it, and it will ruin your academic and personal life. I have seen so many people get in trouble or arrested because of drinking and smoking. Surround yourself with people who will add positivity to your life and encourage you to have fun safely! Overall, don't hold academics or your personal life higher or lower than each other. The more you value both, the better your college experience will be!

Rickie Green

Having a good balance of school and fun is hard when a lot of fun activities are happening around you. At Hampton, there are fun things to do every day. To have a good balance of school and fun, you must be comfortable saying no and missing out on some of the parties and activities. There will be more fun things, but if you start failing or not doing too well in school, you will not be able to do any of those things because you may get on academic probation or, in the worst-case scenario, get kicked out. Also, surround yourself with people who have a good balance of work and fun because they will help you build better habits. I have had to do this here at Hampton to ensure I keep good grades and still have a lot of fun.