Editor’s Note: Even though Emma Ledbetter has graduated, The Daily Evergreen has decided to continue the Ask Emma segment with a new author in honor of our friend Emma and all the people she has helped.

Dear Emma,

I am overwhelmed by all the hobbies I have. I would love to partake in all of them, but school makes that difficult. I would also love to double major due to my diverse personality. I don’t want to stay in school forever, though. How can I manage multiple interests?

Sincerely,

Help, I have too many interests

Dear Help, I have too many interests,

Realistically, my answer to the question “how do you manage multiple interests?” would be “I don’t.” My time management is horrendous, and I honestly don’t live by a schedule. However, laughs aside, I have some tips to share no matter your lifestyle.

My first tip is to make sure you enjoy your major! You definitely don’t need to enjoy every single aspect of it but making sure you enjoy at least half of it will keep you motivated.

For example, I love my programming class. The idea of having control over technology and creating code that executes whatever you want it to is phenomenal. However, when I’ve reached one thousand lines of code and need to debug my program, I’m not necessarily … content.

That’s okay, though! Please don’t choose a major you hate due to money or pressure.

Actually, I take that back. You can do whatever you want. I’m just promoting the above concept because it will make your life child’s play.

My second tip is to either minor in your interest alongside your major, join clubs that incorporate your interest or get a job related to your interest. For example, balancing my work at The Daily Evergreen with computer science can definitely be challenging, but since I enjoy both, my life is at least full of happy stress. If happy stress is a thing. You know what? It is now.

My third tip is to relax. It’s okay to lose that 4.0 GPA if you’re having fun. I used to be an absolute perfectionist, and my first B sent me down a clogged gutter of disappointment. There were also a lot of leaves in there. Pine needles, too. It hurt. Now my GPA is [REDACTED].

Finally, don’t be hard on yourself. I’m serious. If you’re struggling with mental health, a relationship or anything for that matter, don’t be angry at yourself for being a bit unproductive.

This is exactly why I recommend choosing a major you enjoy. Apathy is more infrequent when you don’t loathe your classes and homework.

If a schedule works for you and you observe it grants success, go with it. If not, no worries! Keeping a planner and jotting down objectives for the week suits routine-oriented people. Enjoying your day while ensuring you have your assignments with an upcoming due date submitted, no matter when you complete these assignments, will likely work for free spirits.

And make sure you take breaks.

I hope this helps with your quest to manage multiple interests. Avoid others’ judgment and take pride in all your hobbies!

Sincerely,

Emma