Time Management as a Medical Student

 By: Shekinah Joy Rodicol 

For many college students, managing time effectively feels like an endless battle. Balancing assignments, projects, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities often means sacrificing hobbies, family time, or worse—neglecting ourselves. I’m no exception. Some might dismiss my struggles with a casual, “Oh, you’re just a first-year student,” invalidating the hard work and challenges many of us face. 

Nursing or any medical courses are far-fetched from what we see on social media, the books we need to read are not as pleasing in the eye as what we see on Pinterest, nor as exciting as K-dramas, or any movies we see on Netflix. Nursing life isn’t as pristine as our white uniforms, the process we must go through is not as sleek as every strand of our hair as we put it in a bun, nor the schedules we juggle rarely as precise as the vital signs we meticulously record.

 

As a first-year nursing student, moving away from my hometown to adjust to the chaos of a bustling city has been a whirlwind. The city never sleeps, and neither do my responsibilities. Between the academic workload and personal duties, managing time feels almost impossible.

 

Yet, I’ve realized that time management isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about finding balance. I’ve stopped pressuring myself with unrealistic routines and instead focused on setting priorities. I remind myself that I can’t do everything at once, but I can do what’s most important at the moment. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps allows me to feel productive without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Every challenge I face and will soon face, whether it’s the sleepless nights of studying or the emotional toll of patient care, is part of a bigger purpose. Nursing is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. It’s about being there for others in their most vulnerable moments, offering not just medical care but also compassion, hope, and understanding. Though this path is demanding, I find comfort in knowing that I am growing into someone who can make a real difference.

 

Yes, the road is tough, and at times, it feels overwhelming. But when I look back on how far I’ve come, I am reminded of my strength and the grace that has carried me through. Each obstacle becomes a stepping stone, and each setback is a lesson that strengthens my resolve. 

 

“Layo pa, pero layo na.”

 

I am fully aware of the path I’ve chosen. It’s a road filled with bumps, unexpected detours, and muddy trails that test my strength and resilience. But this is the very place I once prayed for—the path I asked God to lead me toward. A nursing life is far from what I had envisioned; it’s not as smooth or glamorous as I once imagined. Still, I hold onto the belief that God wouldn’t place me here if He didn’t think I was capable of walking this journey.