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by Nikita Mendonca, student writer
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Nineteen-year-old Melissa Lishman’s
life resembles a daily juggling act, the only difference being
that instead of the conventional equipment she juggles school,
work, a radio internship, Spirit Club events, her spirituality,
and her personal life. This is common among college students.
“
All the things I put into my life are things that I need to achieve
my goals,” said Lishman.
Lishman, a sophomore who is working on a degree in journalism
with a minor in visual communications, is a full-time student.
She attends classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:45 a.m. until
5:15 p.m.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Lishman works at her internship with
Visionary Related Entertainment, a team of local radio stations. “I’m
actually an intern for four different radio stations,” said
Lishman.
As a VRE intern, Lishman works in the promotions area, which
involves things like coordinating movie premieres and setting
up sound systems. She can also be found at outdoor events that
promote outside industries such as Pepsi’s new flavors.
“
This internship is pushing me in the right direction of where
I want to be in life,” said Lishman. “I don’t
want to be ordinary, I want to be more than ordinary, and sometimes
that means doing the dirty work, the hard work.”
She said the internship is also good for networking.
Mondays are normally reserved for intern meetings and office
work, while Wednesdays are used for radio events’ which
last five to eight hours each.
“
On Saturday mornings, along with the other interns, I have my
own show on 102.7,” said Lishman. “It’s like
an outlet for us because we can create our own program, and it’s
a great opportunity because the experience gained will benefit
all of us in our future careers.”
On Fridays, Lishman works part time at Ralph Lauren Polo from
9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and her Saturdays are set aside for HPU
Spirit Club sports games. As a Spirit Club member, Lishman is
required to attend a specific number of games and do volunteer
work such as hosting at the information tables on Fort Street
Mall.
“
The Spirit Club is priority in my entire schedule,” said
Lishman. “I know some people may look down on the Spirit
Club, saying that we only go to the games because we’re
paid to, but I feel I’m one who enjoys going. It gives
me a sense of school involvement and it’s helping to put
me through college.”
On top of that, Lishman is on the committee for her church ministry,
which meets every other Tuesday.
Lishman admits that with everything on her plate, sometimes it
is difficult to successfully juggle everything in her life. “Sometimes
things will conflict, and I have to ask myself ‘What’s
more important?’ knowing that I have to let someone down.”
According to Lishman, having such a busy schedule can be both
physically and emotionally draining.
“
Physically, I sometimes don’t want to wake up to do the
things I need to do. Sometimes I feel like I need to just stop.
But I know my boundaries; I take a break and start again,” she
said.
“
Mentally I feel like my schedule makes me stronger as an individual,
and that helps me ignore the physically challenging days.”
In addition, setting aside time for a personal life is difficult,
yet it is a very important component in balancing such a busy
lifestyle.
“
It’s hard to have a personal life, but I have one. A girl
needs to let loose,” said Lishman. “With everything
I put on my plate, I feel like a need a breather; I’ll
go to the beach, clubbing, or out with friends.”
She added that despite her busy schedule, she does find enough
time to sleep.
Lishman has to sacrifice a lot of personal time, but, she said, “I
know what I want in life, and I’d rather get there sooner
than later.”
Her advice to others: “As a student, if you feel like giving
up, keep pushing yourself and keep in mind that goal of where
you want to end up.” |
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