Not Exactly a Day in the Park

As we approach the halfway point of the semester, I've begun to somewhat establish some regularity in my schedule.  As many might be aware, I have class from Tuesday through Thursday.  As for Mondays and Fridays, my days are technically void--yes, I have a four-day weekend.

Now, before you're quick to be bitter and almost resentful of such an "easy", weekly schedule, not many people remember that I'm not simply a student.  I'm also serving in various capacities and hold a job as well.

What irks me extremely is when people think that, just because I have a four-day weekend, my days are 'super open' and I'm coasting through the semester.  While I'm not quite encountering a blockade of difficulties in school or otherwise, that doesn't mean I have it "easy".

Indeed, I'm taking only 13 credit hours--four classes.  HOWEVER, these are all upper 400-level classes, not a bunch of 100- or 200-level gen-ed nonsense.  Now, those kinds of classes would be deemed as a blow-off.  On the other hand, with four upper-level classes, I have my hands full.  These are practically counted as graduate level classes, and most of my classmates are seniors or grad students.

What sucks the most about these classes is the ridiculous amount of reading I have for them.  And it's highly unfortunate that, if I want to even succeed remotely in the courses, I have to KILL those midterms and finals (or pray for a curve).  These classes are determined by exam grades and not much else.

Second, I'm serving in various capacities.  First off, as a small group leader in InterVarsity, there's more time commitment and sacrifice than most people think.  I enjoy SG leading and being instrumental in the IV community, but the actual Bible Study session isn't all of it.  I'm also doing two discipleships weekly, another weekly meeting with the area coordinator, Bible Study preparation, and Sunday night prayer meetings.

On top of that, I'm also participating on the worship team with IV and with the church I attend.  While I haven't been playing for IV too much this semester, last term it was nearly every week.  This semester, I'm playing twice a month for church, and that includes Saturday and Sunday morning practices.

Lastly, many people forget that I have a job.  I'm not a librarian or desk clerk or do anything administrative or office-like that requires you to sign-up for hours each week...  I'm a high school assistant track coach for sprinters and throwers.  Where the average number of hours to work each week range from 10 to 13, that's only regarding practices.

I have to be at practice before and after the athletes arrive and leave.  If there are meets, I will be required to 'work' an event or even drive to places for away competitions.  And did I mention Saturday meets that could either be in the morning or go all-day?  Or the two meets a week that will be expected once outdoor season starts?  Sometimes, there are coaches meetings beforehand; so, again, there's a big time commitment involved.  

This entire post sounds like a rant.  Well, it pretty much is.  But that's not to say I don't enjoy what I do. Still, before you think that this schedule is "easy", please be sensitive to my own time constraints--because sleeping 4 to 5 hours a night is just what I want (sarcasm)...