Take Time for Yourself

“Don’t forget to take a little bit every day for yourself.”

I heard these words a few times during the pre-term program last month and I couldn’t help but wonder exactly what that statement meant. I mean, of course I was going to be busy with school/homework/projects/exams/getting involved/football/networking, but why the frequent reminder to take time for yourself?

Well, about a month into school, I know EXACTLY why our professors, advisors and second-years tell us to take some personal time.

If you don’t take a step back every now and then, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and slightly panicked. (And when I say overwhelmed, it’s sort of like the feeling of juggling five objects in the air and getting nervous that one is about to drop).

After getting through the first few midterms terms and starting to study for the SECOND round of exams (I know, it’s insane) I finally am finding a balance. When I come home I study and study – but I make sure I take 1 hour and go got a run a few times a week, and I try to find one night a week to have dinner with my roomie, and I make sure that I focus on my non-MBA friends as well.

Because I need that.

School is a huge (ok, it’s the main part of my life), but there are other aspects that need to be attended to. It’s all about balance. BUT, you cannot forget to take time for yourself. When school feels overwhelming and I think that the next stats problem may cause me top bang my head against the table, I go for a ten minute walk. I don’t think about classes and I don’t make a mental to-do list, I simply just walk and get some fresh air.

It always helps.

One thing that the MBA program is teaching me is time management and how to focus my time. But it is also teaching me that school, work and personal life are all important.

See you soon after another crazy week of exams, meetings and classes.

Mac-N-Cheese, Mead & discounted txts

One reason I love Columbus is there is always something to do. Always. Doesn’t matter the time of day, Columbus is alive. What other city offers great food, pubs, parks, plays, ballets, breweries and more within a 10 mile radius?

My favorite ritual is Monday’s $5 Mac & Cheese at Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits in the Short North (located just north of Downtown). Betty’s is a cozy restaurant that surrounds you with pin-up artwork and a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike chain restaurants, Betty’s and the majority of the Short North restaurants are “Ohio Proud” and serve locally grown and raised products.

Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits (picture courtesy of Betty’s website)

The Short North is an area located just north of Downtown full of eclectic galleries, delicious restaurants and quant shops. This assorted neighborhood caters to all food preferences, so always feel free to bring those who are vegetarian and vegan – they will not be disappointed. It is a wonderful place to go after class or on the weekend when meeting up with friends. Prices are reasonable and, for those of us on a college budget, happy hours are everywhere!

The Short North – you will NEVER be bored here!
Picture courtesy of Experience Columbus

It is a great neighborhood to grab lunch, dinner, coffee or drinks with friends. You can pick a favorite restaurant, try everything on their menu and never be disappointed! From Mac & Cheese, to mead (a DELISH honey wine), to vegan cupcakes, the Short North is perfect for all budgets and taste buds.

If you are looking for something to do after dinner, check out the Ohio Theatre located in Downtown Columbus. Owned by CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts), the Ohio Theatre is a National Historic Landmark and hosts a variety of shows for extremely reasonable prices. From traditional to contemporary, every show is a hit. Personally, I love the BalletMet! Even better, the Ohio Student Union offers discounted tickets to students.

So take a night off of studying, get off the computer and go EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS!

MBA student & FOOTBALL

You didn’t think that I would skip over a chance to write about Buckeye football did you?!

Everything you’ve heard about the boys in scarlet & grey, the ‘Shoe, tailgating and Buckeye Nation is true. It’s big, it’s loud…and  there is nothing better then looking around at thousands of other fans and knowing you are part of it all.

This weekend was the first OSU football game and it felt so great to take a few hours away from stressing about homework and school. The Fisher Social Chairs threw a tailgate at Fisher Commons and the dreary skies couldn’t stop us from enjoying the pregame excitement. It wasUrban Meyer’s first game as a buckeye, and I think we can all agree that the 56-10 victory over the Miami RedHawks put Columbus in a cheerful mood.

When you become a buckeye, you become part of a family. Yup, I just typed that (very) cheesy line. But how can you cheer with thousands of other fans and sing Carmen Ohio without knowing that you are part of something more?

Students, professors, faculty and the entire city of Columbus come together for football games, and it’s pretty easy to see that same family-bond in the classroom. I was talking to my Ethics Professor this morning about the game, and within minutes he is telling me about his own family tailgate and his opinion of the new coaching staff. My core team was still talking about Devin Smith’s catch and deciding what food to bring for NEXT Saturday’s tailgate.

I cannot wait for next weekend’s game and to see even more of Coach Meyer and the Buckeyes, but I also can’t wait to watch the game with my new-found friends. The nervousness of my program is starting to fade (quickly replaced by nervousness of approaching midterms), and I feel that I am finding my footing at Fisher…including some amazing friendships that I know will continue throughout the years.

And, could you believe that it all started with a football game?