When the lockdown started in spring 2020 at City College and all my classes became remote, I wasn’t sure how it would go.

 It wasn’t until fall 2021, just after my 20th birthday, when I started working at the Sacramento International Airport as a customer service agent while being a full-time student online that my life completely transformed. I became mentally drained, tired and frustrated; I didn’t know how to act normal.

Although I was entering the world of becoming an adult, I had not yet adjusted to working while my classes were remote.

Now I’m 21 and living in Houston, Texas, with a different job as an administrative assistant. A lot has changed. But some things haven’t: I am still balancing both college and work remotely. I didn’t realize how difficult it was moving to a new city, but still remaining at City College online. 

However, I wanted to take this opportunity to challenge my growth as a college student, while still being able to work to pay my bills.

After many failed attempts, I concocted a plan to balance both college and work remotely. Part of this plan was to prioritize my mental health, which included meditation and journaling. I’m also working on my time-management skills. 

From a young age, poetry and writing was a coping mechanism, saving me from countless doubts and failures. I remembered that I could write down my feelings — so that’s what I did.

I write down every thought and feeling I had, expressing myself through  challenging times because writing has been my only way out. It was how I felt heard and after practicing enough I realized it was my guide through difficult times. 

I started experimenting with time management. 

I balanced my time for homework, while still being able to concentrate on work. On my days off, I would do the assignments that needed to be done and  every week new assignments would come in. By the time I finished my last assignment, the next one would arrive.

Even with time management there was never a break. I felt as if my mind was thinking all day long, nonstop, and I didn’t know what to do. I eventually prioritized what needed to be done first and continued on.

I meditate every morning for about 10 minutes, relaxing my mind, imagining a beautiful, magnificent place to be. This sets me up for a good day.

There is another way I’ve been able to get through the challenging times. When I was 12 years old, I converted to Christianity, a lover of God. I used to pray so much that it was the only way I could get through challenges. I would ask God to guide me in the right direction and to bring me closer to my goals. 

I didn’t realize it at first, but there was a voice speaking to me. The voice was telling me that I’m special. I’m capable of anything if I put my mind to it. 

Every mistake, every challenge I went through, I put my faith toward God — that faith made me realize my fullest potential and that I have what it takes to be successful.

In reality, sometimes all you can do is continue, push through because the hurdles and challenges make you stronger.

Now I always tell myself that I can do it and I can succeed. I have what it takes to be the best version of myself. As far as future plans, I continue to stay consistent in my learning and education. I plan on transferring to a four-year university, whether it be in Texas or out of state.

From here, I see myself moving from Houston to Washington state and continuing my path as a journalist, while seeing what opportunities  may be in store for my future. But everything is still a process and still undetermined.

If there is something I need to say, it would be this: If anyone is going through a challenge, believe in yourself. Balancing work and college remotely can be a tough journey, but believe and have faith in yourself — there is a path waiting for you.