This week has been a whirlwind of deadlines, learning, and growth. As a second-year student at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), I’m navigating midterms, major class projects, and the daunting task of applying to transfer to a four-year university. My current top priority is the University of Washington’s Computer Science program with applications due Feb. 15. Balancing these responsibilities with my role as a State Board legislative intern and my job at SPSCC’s Transition Studies Department has been challenging, but it’s also been a lesson in resilience and balancing responsibilities.

Juggling multiple responsibilities has taught me the importance of prioritization. With midterms, college applications, work tasks, and family responsibilities all competing for my attention, I’ve learned to identify what needs to be done now versus what can wait. For example, I use a color-coded planner to map out deadlines and break large tasks like my UW college application into smaller, manageable steps. I’ve also embraced the “two-minute rule:” if a task takes less than two minutes (e.g., sending an email or reviewing a draft), I do it immediately. This approach has helped me stay on top of my workload without feeling overwhelmed.

Time management has also been crucial. When a midterm project deadline coincided with a packed week at the State Board, I applied the same problem-solving skills I use at work: I communicated with my supervisors, adjusted my schedule, and completed the project in focused, timed sessions. Learning to navigate these overlapping responsibilities has strengthened my ability to adapt under pressure.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my supervisors, Sam Herriot and Arlen Harris, and my coworkers at the State Board and SPSCC. They’ve consistently reminded me that I’m a student first and foremost, encouraging me to prioritize my well-being and academic goals. Their flexibility and understanding have been a lifeline during this busy season. Whether it’s adjusting my work schedule or offering words of encouragement, their support has shown me the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential.

Despite the stress, I’m excited about what’s ahead. The legislative session is in full swing, and I’m eager to continue advocating for policies that support students like me. Testifying for bills like SB 5115, which would create the Washington Dream Act, and SB 5402, which would expand Washington College Grant eligibility, has been a transformative experience, reminding me that our voices matter in shaping the future of education. Every day as a legislative intern brings new lessons and challenges. It’s not always easy, but I’m reminded daily of why I’m doing this: to create opportunities for myself and others. To anyone else feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, and celebrate small wins.