As colleges and universities around the country have returned to in-person learning, campuses are thriving once more. Students can now interact with one another in person, gaining more knowledge and a better understand of fellow students’ routines, courses, and schedules. However, the return to campus means there is more places to be, things to do, and people to see. While higher education institutions continue to return to normal, it is important to get a glimpse into a day in the life of a college student. That such student is Isabelle Alwardt, a Digital Media Marketing major here at Millikin University.
At Millikin University, Isabelle currently takes four courses as a full-time student. The courses are Introduction to Financial Accounting, Principles of Microeconomics, Critical Writing, Reading, and Research, and United States Cultural Studies. When setting up her course schedule for the Fall 2021 semester, Isabelle took daily school, work, and recreational time into consideration as she commutes from Springfield, IL. When asked what her weekly course schedule was comprised of, Isabelle stated, “I set up my course schedule so I attend Millikin every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM. By doing that I gave myself plenty of time to work, study, and enjoy my free time every other day of the week.” In terms of her courses, Isabelle has enrolled in multiple courses in the Tabor School of Business that relate to various other majors such as Finance, Accounting, and Business. Since she only travels to campus twice a week, each course is one hour and fifteen minutes long, with Introduction to Financial Accounting at 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, Principles of Microeconomics at 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, Critical Reading, Writing, and Research at 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM, and her United States Cultural Studies course at 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM.
Outside of the classroom, Isabelle leads a busy life between work and personal interests. On days she does not have class, Isabelle works as a Coordinator at Ross Dress for Less. Her personal interests lie in travel and. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and her dog, Buster. When asked what activities she finds productive, she stated taking Buster on walks and runs is always beneficial for both of them. In response to a question about what an average day for her looks like, Isabelle stated, “On days I have school I begin by driving to Millikin for all four of my classes. After my last class at 3:15 PM, I head back home to do homework since I have those nights free. When I finish my homework, I usually take Buster on a walk and get some exercise for the both of us.”
Along with interviewing Isabelle about her daily routine, I asked her for a piece of advice she would give other students in the Tabor School of Business. After some thought, she said time management is extremely important when juggling a full course load, work, and a social life. While many students may get bogged down by attending lectures, doing homework, and working, it is important to structure your daily routines throughout the week to ensure you have enough time to accomplish everything. “I set my classes and work schedule up to where I have a healthy balance between the two each week.”
Jacob Blair is a Junior at Millikin University in Decatur, IL, majoring in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys toying with Adobe’s Creative Cloud, embarking upon challenging graphic design projects, and drag racing.