Balancing Arts and Academics

Swae Miller-Estabrook, Junior, IBDP Student, NHS Member

Balancing Arts and Academics

How do I fit both arts and academics into my life? Now that's a question a lot of people ask when high school hits. Academics are very important, but personal interests give your mind an escape from the stress of school. But balancing these two is a very difficult thing to do. I know this struggle, because it is something that I am navigating right now as I think about my junior year. Colleges are looking for students who are strong in academics, but also have a point of interest that makes them stand out. Which is why this balancing act is one that is important to keep on track.

As an IB student, I know how rigorous the course load is, which makes it difficult to fit extra-curriculars into your schedule. But if there is something you love to do, there is always a way to make time. The important thing is to choose something that won’t feel like a chore. When you have an activity that feels forced, it begins to feel like another piece of homework has been added onto your schedule. While what you love may be stressful, the love that you have for it will make the stress decrease. I know that six honors classes and hours of homework may seem daunting, because it is, but keeping the arts within your life is way more important than stressing about what could happen in your classes.

From theatre, to choir, dance, and band, all members struggle with the balancing act, but those who make it look easy are those who have made time for what they love. With all of the time I have spent at home, this year has given me time to think and begin to decide what I want to prioritize. At the top of my list are of course grades. Grades are very important, and staying on top of assignments keeps you on the right track. Assignments are not the only part of classes that matter, but tests can determine your grades. Which is why you also need to make time to study. That time does not have to be long, but even a small portion per day will keep you better prepared than not studying at all.

The arts also take time, because learning music, lines, and combinations also take up space in your brain. But, if you are doing something you love, that time will not feel badly spent. While doing school work it is important to keep yourself organized and create a system for yourself. And I know that this is tough, but you need to see that not all assignments have to be perfect. Sometimes you have to do an assignment just to finish it because you have other assignments that are more crucial for your learning. I can say this because it has taken me years to learn. I always thought that every assignment that I turned in had to be perfect, but that always caused me to take way more time than was necessary, and in turn it only hurt me. After spending all that time on one simple assignment that should have taken twenty minutes, I have no time left to focus on other classes or the arts.

It is very important to create a schedule and give yourself a specific amount of time for each assignment, while you may take longer than the allotted time you created, during that time you will be completely focused on completing the assignment, which will leave you more time for other activities. Keeping the arts in your life is very important if that is what you love. Don’t give up on something just because you don’t know what your workload could be, doesn’t mean you should give up on something you are passionate about. If you love it, then you can make it work. This is a balancing act that all students in the arts are working on, but it takes time and practice. If the arts is what you want to be doing in your future, keep doing it. Do not let the stress of school bring you down. Just make the time for what you love and the rest will work itself out. Keep working hard and continue doing what you love.

Comment some of your suggestions on time management down below.

Join the Wix app to receive notifications whenever we post!