A life of learning and leisure

Let's face it, being a student can feel like living in a whirlwind. Amidst those assignments, deadlines, and exams, nurturing your passions might seem daunting, if not impossible. But what if I tell you it doesn't have to be this way? Balancing academics and personal interests isn't about sacrificing priceless moments (though, let's be honest, that's what many try- but I've never really gone down that road).

When I first stepped onto the college campus, I had a mix of excitement and anxiety. I couldn't shake the question: How do I make it through 4 years? Spoiler alert - I graduated last year. But it wasn't without its fair share of struggles, lessons, and moments of growth. Whenever I found it gruelling, I sought advice from my friends and seniors. I came across something that helped me in my college days and is helping me even now.

Here's how it all unfolded:

After I secured admission into my dream college and started my academic journey away from home, it didn't take me long to realise that something was surely missing in my life. I was in a place I wanted to be, I had the company of amazing people, and good food to eat, but I could still sense a void. After deep thought, I realised that I hadn't spent time listening to my favourite songs and hadn't played my keyboard for a long time, maybe more than a year. It struck me that I had been so occupied with my academic schedule that I had forgotten about my hobbies.

Embracing the New Me, Nurturing the Old Self :

By the time my first year began, I had already distanced myself from my passion due to the two years of extreme study and hard work. My first year's, or at least my first semester's goal was to fit myself into the foreign environment and make it a part of my life. Get comfortable with my new routine, all the new things, and the new people around. As I walked into my second semester, I found people with shared interests, and we all began to meet after college, discussing our favourite singers and songs. I realised that just spending more time with them brought me closer to my passion. We started to get together and created a rendition of a popular song every alternate Saturday, while learning from each other (guess what, we still have a jam once in a while).

I utilised my free time watching relevant videos and ensured I didn't waste my time on social media or anything which hindered my productivity. To break it down simply, it was all about finding a small gap and utilising it fully. Let's say you like to read or write. Just make sure you read for at least ten minutes before bed, and write your thoughts whenever you feel motivated. For someone who likes to paint, take time on weekends for at least an hour to paint, and see how refreshed you feel. In my case, I had started dedicating some time each evening to playing the piano or exploring new music genres---it gave me a sense of calm and creativity that I carried into the next day. I started to be happier, had a fresh start every day, and became more productive.

Evolving Through Exploration :

By my second year, I had started finding a rhythm between academics and personal interests. Now I also had some extra time because I had Saturdays off. Moreover, I had gotten the hang of doing smart study and scoring good grades.

So I went on a journey of exploration, looking for something more fascinating. I tried out things that I had never done before. I joined the photography club, played the role of an organiser for an event, got hooked on playing football, and even started experimenting with digital art. I was trying to find a new place where I could fit in. But at the same time, I hadn't given up on my old love for music. I decided to take it a step further---learn classical music professionally. But could I really pull this off? What if I get some important work and have to skip my classes? Is it worth it? There were so many questions that captivated my mind. So I sought guidance from my seniors who had mastered the art of managing tasks. They advised me to attend music classes on weekends when the college was off. By doing this, I could enhance my hobby without hindering my academic commitments.

Small Steps To Big Wins

The third year brought challenges of its own---internships, projects, and a heavier workload. My time was stretched thinner than ever. My calendar was overflowing, and it seemed as though every minute of my day was taken. There were times when I'd sit down to plan my day and realise there weren't enough hours to get everything done. And, through all this chaos, my hobbies began to slip through my fingers again.

There were moments of frustration---I used to see my friends and peers manage everything smoothly while I found it very difficult to spend time playing my keyboard, listening to my favourite playlist or even just relaxing. But then I started observing them, and something clicked. They weren't doing it all at once, they were doing small things consistently.

Doodling art behind my notebook, jotting down quick thoughts in a journal, or even humming along to a tune during a break became my little wins.
Another lesson I learned was that consistency does not equal rigidity; embrace flexibility. There were days when academics or projects took up all my time, and I couldn't focus on my hobbies, but that was okay. Prioritising tasks according to needs was equally important. A day before an internship interview, I had to spend time revising core concepts, and during college exams, all the time went into memorising the theory. I stopped being hard on myself for missing out on these days and promised to return to them when things eased up. It wasn't about perfection, it was about showing up when I could.

Finding Peace Amid The Chaos:

By the time I reached my final year, I had found a rhythm. The pressure of placements, final year projects, and looming goodbyes was real, but by that time, I had learned how to keep doing what I loved.

One thing that helped me was to treat my hobbies like a refresh button. After a long and hectic day, stepping out with a camera didn't feel like a chore---it felt refreshing.

My fourth year was not about balancing academics and hobbies; it was about enjoying the process. I had built a system that worked for me---a mix of dedication and spontaneity that made life exciting.

Looking back at these four years, I've realised life is not about choosing between your responsibilities and the things you love; it is about weaving them together. Whether it is a hectic first year, an exploratory second year, a challenging third year, or a balanced fourth year, the key is to keep moving forward.

So, my advice? Don't wait for the perfect time. Start small, be flexible, and make this a part of your routine. Your interests are what define you and make you unique. Your interests are what make you, YOU. Nurturing them, even in little ways, makes you happier and more energised, ready to take on anything that comes your way.

As I move forward from college, I'm not just carrying my degree, I'm carrying the ability to stay true to what I love. Because, in the end, it's not about the time you have, but how you choose to use it.