Prioritizing Wellness: Lessons from Overcommitment in College by Blaire

Prioritizing Wellness: Lessons from Overcommitment in College by Blaire - July 2024 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson I learned this year is not to overwork myself. Entering my first year of college, I discovered some significant aspects about myself. I am extremely ambitious and tend to overcommit, constantly adding extracurricular activities to my schedule. Eventually, I reached a point of burnout. It wasn’t the academic workload that overwhelmed me but the numerous extracurricular commitments. This overcommitment led to a decline in my mental health, leaving me extremely stressed and overwhelmed.

Moving forward, I plan to take more mindful steps to ensure this doesn't happen again. I will be more conscious of my limits and only engage in activities that align with my long-term goals and positively impact my future, particularly my aspiration to get into medical school. By prioritizing and selectively committing to activities, I can maintain a healthier balance and ensure that I am mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. This approach will help me sustain my well-being and achieve my ambitions without compromising my health.

I've learned that taking on too much can be counterproductive, and it's crucial to focus on quality rather than quantity. By carefully choosing my commitments, I can excel in what truly matters and preserve my mental health, setting a strong foundation for my future endeavors.