[PhoenixAzul]

Aye...it is very stressful. I founded a rowing club on campus, got involved with Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta and now with Mortarboard, got a job with the campus newspaper (photo editor) and I've got 2 majors and 2 minors and I'm on study abroad right now, plus training for my first marathon and my first Ironman Triathlon.

It can all be a bit much, and the first thing is to prioritize. Thankfully, ALD and PhiEtaSigma didn't require a significant amount of week-to-week commitment like newspaper,crew and training. When I joined Tau Delta, my priorities had to shuffle. Most of our pledge events happened in the evenings, so most of the other stuff was out of the way, but I found myself squeezing things into the little gaps of the day. Instead of a 2 hr run, I did 2 one hour runs a day in between classes. On off days I worked on projects and extended work.

You've also got to realize that you need time for yourself just to do NOTHING. It's great to be dedicated to different organizations, but there's a point where you've got to say NO. And perhaps not take a position in a club, but be a general member...there's no shame in that. I've not taken a major role in my sorority because of this. I don't think I could dedicate 100% to an exec position or fufill it the way I think I could. I still fufill my obligations to the sorority and given 1/2 the chance I take sorority over everything else, but when there's a crisis at the paper, sometimes I 've got to come late to things....it's important to at least ATTEMPT to make a commitment, even if you have to come late. Sometimes appointments overlap, so rather than say "i'm definitely not coming", a "I may be a wee bit late, but I will stop by" is good. Most of the time I end up getting out early and being on time (which is always exciting!).

good luck, and BUY A PLANNER! A PAPER ONE! And chart out your weekly commitments (including class and time for commuting/walking to)