Category: Student Life at VC

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community Student Life at VC Study Spots

The Ultimate Study Spot Guide: Ventura College & Local Hidden Gems

Finding a good place to study isn’t always easy. A lot of spots look great at first, but end up having uncomfortable seating, too much noise, no WIFI, or nowhere to plug in your charger. All of that can make it hard to stay focused and actually get work done. To make things easier, I went out to find different study locations around the Ventura College campus and throughout Ventura County. After spending time in a variety of spots, I put together a list of places that are actually worth your time, whether you’re looking for something quiet, comfortable, or just a change of scenery.

Ventura College Campus Study Spots

The library quiet areas and reading room are easily the most reliable study spots on campus. If your goal is to really lock in and focus, this is where you want to be. The second floor is especially quiet with many areas to sit. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and the desks are big enough to spread out your work and study comfortably. The overall environment is calm and peaceful, which makes it easier to stay on task. This is the best option for things like studying for exams, writing essays, or anything that requires full concentration. Rank: #1

The library study rooms are another great option, especially if you need a private space. I noticed the rooms don’t block out noise very well, but if you just need a space to yourself or with a group, this is the spot for you. They come with a large table, outlets, and a whiteboard. The WIFI is just as strong as the rest of the library, and having your own space makes it easier to stay focused for longer periods of time. The only downside is that they aren’t always available and need to be reserved, but when you can get one, they’re one of the best spots on campus. Rank: #2

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) on the first floor is a good middle ground if you don’t mind a little background noise. It’s more of a collaborative space, so people are talking and working together. Because of that, it’s not the best for deep focus, but it works really well for getting assignments done, using computers, or studying. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and you also have access to tutoring and other resources. If you like a space that feels productive but not completely silent, this is a great choice. Rank: #3

The outdoor tables around campus, especially the ones farther away from the main walkways, are another great option. These spots can be surprisingly peaceful if you choose the right location and time of day. They’re great for casual studying, reviewing notes, or working on assignments when the weather is nice. The downside is that there is no outlets and noise levels can vary depending on how busy campus is. Still, if you find a quieter area, it can be a really good place to stay productive without feeling stuck inside. Rank: #4

Local Hidden Study Spots

Switching to off campus spots, some of these places are a little more hidden and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. And by hidden, I mean those tucked away spots you’d probably walk right past without thinking twice, like small cafes or quiet corners between businesses. I wanted to showcase places you might not usually consider, but once you try them, they end up becoming your go to study spot.

Tree Lounge in Camarillo is a great option if you’re looking for a calm and comfortable place to study. The atmosphere is very relaxed, which makes it easy to focus without feeling overwhelmed or distracted. They offer WIFI and outlets, which makes it a reliable spot for longer study sessions. One thing that really makes this place stand out is that it’s accommodating for students who have kids. There’s a coloring area for children with paper and markers, so it’s a good choice if you need to study but also keep your child occupied. They also have outdoor seating with access to outlets, which is perfect if you want some fresh air while working. It rarely gets too busy, so you can usually count on it being a peaceful and comfortable place to get your work done. Rank: #1

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Camarillo is a great study spot, especially if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, which makes it easy to settle in and stay for a while. Inside, the tables are set up with board and card games like chess, checkers, connect 4, and more, which can actually be a nice way to take a break if you’re studying with friends. They also have WIFI and a good amount of outlets. If you want some fresh air or a quieter space, there is an outdoor seating area tucked between the building and a grocery store, which makes it feel more private and less crowded. Overall, this spot works really well for both group study sessions and more relaxed solo work. Rank: #2

Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai in Ventura is another great option if you’re more focused on the overall vibe. its located on Main Street but tucked away at the end of the El Jardin Courtyard, so it feels a bit hidden. The outdoor seating area is really nice and gives the place a cozy, aesthetic feel. But the seating is pretty limited, which can be a downside. they offer free WIFI, but there aren’t any outlets, so it’s not ideal for long sessions if your laptop needs charging. It can also get a little busy, so it’s not the best choice if you need complete silence. Still, if you’re just looking for a comfortable place with good energy to get some work done, this is the place for you. Rank: #3

Valle Lindo Park in Camarillo is a good option if you want a completely different kind of study environment. It’s a very peaceful park with large open grass areas, that are perfect for a picnic style studying session, with long bench tables that work well for groups. The bench areas do require reservations, but the park itself stays pretty quiet overall, especially away from the playground. One thing that helps is that there are rules in place that limit loud music and certain activities, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. There isn’t any WIFI or outlets, so its not the best spot if you need your laptop for a long period of time, but if you just need a calm space to read, write, or review notes, its a great option. Rank: #4

At the end of the day, the best study spot really comes down to what helps you stay focused and comfortable. Everyone studies a little differently, so it’s worth trying out a few of these places and seeing what works best for you. Hopefully, you found a new study spot that you can try out and make your own.

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Advice Beauty & Wellness reading Social Media Student Life at VC

The Sunday Reset Lie: Soft Aesthetics, Hard Expectations

If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like. 

These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.

Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.

So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?

For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective. 

The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.

Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop

To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more. 

Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on Tikok

While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”

This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it. 

After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received. 

“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.

Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing. 

Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of. 

“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.

At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges.  As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities. 

Check out https://www.instagram.com/calmlivingdiary?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== for a fresh perspective of realistic self-care, reminders for when you need it most, and viewing content that will inspire you to live softly under your own terms 🙂

I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”

Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!

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Arts & Entertainment music Podcasts Student Life at VC

Life as an Artist & Student

A dive into the challenges, positives, and everything in between that come with being a full time student and an artist simultaneously, specifically in the lanes of music and fashion. Topics covered include time management, accomplishments and more. Special Guest appearance by ⁠TyeDye⁠!

Follow me on ⁠IG⁠

Check Out my ⁠Blog

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Beauty & Wellness Student Life at VC

 Confident Skin, Confident You, in 4 Easy Steps 

Cleanser. Hydrating Serum. Moisturizer. Sunscreen.

Most people don’t have a skincare routine, but I’m here to tell you the importance and ease of starting yours today! There are four base products everyone should have, which are a cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Skincare is for everyone, whether it’s for acne, preventative care, or corrective care.

Itzel Reyes, a licensed esthetician, says, “This is an effective skincare routine that incorporates all the essentials to bring your skin back to life…they are professional grade, result driven products.”

It is important to have a skincare routine not only to look good but to have healthy skin now and as we get older. Also, if you think it’s too late to start yours, it’s not as long as you start! People usually think skincare is only for people with acne, but they’re wrong. Itzel sees clients who also want to prevent their skin from getting dry during the fall season or who want to protect it from getting sun damage. She also has clients who already have sun damage and hyperpigmentation, which is caused by not using or having the right products to protect their skin.

“Would you believe me if I told you this was 80% home care…”

Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Step 1: start with your cleanser and make sure you fully rinse it off before applying the other products.

Hydrating Serum

Step 2: After you’ll want to add a pea size amount of your hydrating serum.

Moisturizer

Step 3: Add about a nickle size of moisturizer and make sure to wait about 20 seconds before adding your spf!

Sunscreen

Step 4: Lastly don’t forget to put your sunscreen, which should be two finger length amount. Make sure to massage it in to not have a white cast!

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Food & Beverage history Student Life at VC

Matcha: What Happened?

Overconsumption, Shortage, and Alternatives

Today, matcha is a staple drink at any coffee place. But with it causing so much demand places today sell you a cup at $7-$10 full of cheap powder, artificial sweeteners, and cold foam. What happened?

I had first started drinking matcha 5 years ago, hearing it could help me with my stomach issues. It wasn’t until recently I came to the conclusion that what people are selling you today does not taste the same as it did before. There was once an earthier taste, way more grassy, if you will. 🤭

I want to say it was 3 years ago where I went in one day to get a matcha when the barista told me they were out of powder for the week. Later I went to another place and again I’m told they were out of powder. The times where it felt only me and Kourtney Kardashian drank it were over.

Unfortunately, throughout that time, it became a recurring situation where there was never enough supply to last coffee places the whole week. But it wasn’t until January of last year when I saw a video for the first time that there was a matcha shortage but I knew it had started way before that.

It feels like every week there’s a new coffee shop that opens and there is not enough matcha to go around.

I spoke with Veronica Sara – a matcha lover who has taken classes in Uji Japan learning about matcha and its origin. She physically got to grind matcha leaves by hand to create the powder. She shares,

“You only get 10g of matcha powder in 30 minutes of stone milling”

Getting back to what was said earlier, a lot of places will buy cheap powders and mask the drink with different flavored fruit syrups, foams, etc. And you pay upwards of $10 for a cheaply made drink.

I can name a couple of places here in the 805 that are or aren’t worth your money, but we can save that for a future segment.

What I can assure you of today though is that if you are looking for its true rich texture, flavor, and quality you are best off buying a great quality powder that originates from Uji, Nishio or Yame and making it yourself.

It’s not the easiest thing to get into, but I guarantee you once you get the hang of it, there’s really no going back. Also while a great quality powder can be pricey it’s worth the price compared to spending on a mid coffee shop.

There’s this saying I see in videos time and time again where they say depending on the color of the drink you’ll know if it’s actually good or not. The greener the better.

@dogloverimani on TikTok

But it also gets complicated and confusing because it also gets to a point people overdo the powder, and it’s not only adding to the shortage, but also people are overconsuming the number of grams they should be having for a daily intake. This, in some cases, causes people to end up in the ER because of a lack of poor knowledge.

I had the privilege of watching and observing all this play out in real time. However, it saddens me that matcha became another victim to overconsumption culture. There’s not, and most likely never will be, enough to get around to truly appreciate. The plot was lost and its beautiful culture was forgotten.

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Sports & Leisure Student Life at VC

Ventura College Men’s Basketball: The Breakthrough Season

Last season, Ventura College men’s basketball didn’t have the record it wanted. The pieces were there, but something was missing. Fast forward to this year, and the Pirates are league champions and a serious playoff contender. So what changed?

According to assistant coach Kane Daniels, it started with one thing: culture.

Photo from VC Star

“The focus was the culture,” he said. “Conditioning is something they took pride in.”

Practices were intense. Players were pushed to embrace hard work and stop avoiding uncomfortable situations.

At the start of the season there was an adjustment period with a new system, and it took some time for everyone to get comfortable with it. But little by little, the players bought in and started to fully embrace the change.

Now, he describes them as mentally tougher and ready for challenges. The goal became clear. Coach Kane said, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

That mindset showed up in their playoff opener.

In the second round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs, the Pirates were in a close game at halftime against East Los Angeles. But in the second half, everything clicked. VC dominated the final 20 minutes, pulling away for a 91–73 win at home. Sophomore Kam’Ron Cigar led the way with 33 points, and the team outscored the Huskies 53–35 after the break. It wasn’t just talent it was discipline and energy.

Photo from @vcpirateathletics

The turnaround didn’t happen overnight. According to Coach Kane, it came down to daily habits: staying focused, keeping a positive mindset, learning from each other, and embracing hard work every single day.

What this season taught the team was simple but powerful: stay consistent and stay mentally tough.

From a season that didn’t meet expectations to a league championship and playoff run, VC men’s basketball proved that changing the culture can change everything. And if their first playoff game is any sign, they’re not done yet.

See the box score here

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Sports & Leisure Student Life at VC

VC Makes History: New Women’s Flag Football Team

With quarterback standout April Luna having 5 passing touchdowns in their 45-6 win on the road, Ventura College’s new flag football team is on a 3-game winning streak with a 5-2 overall record. Ventura College’s flag football team is making history by adding a new women’s sport to their athletic program, bringing their total to 20 sports. Ventura is now one of 9 community colleges in California to have a flag football program. This flag football program gives female athletes more opportunities to play at the collegiate level and offers scholarship opportunities.

Women’s flag football has been around for more than 60 years, but it wasn’t until recently that they formed the WFA (Women’s Flag Football Alliance). With women’s flag teams growing, they partner with organizations like the NFL and Nike to help raise money and awareness for this 40-team organization.

The NCAA now has 40+ schools sponsoring varsity teams, with the NAIA allowing programs up to 12 scholarships per team. This allows more opportunities for female athletes to earn their degree with a scholarship while playing a sport they love. VC’s flag football program does the same. This widens opportunities for female athletes to continue playing at a four-year university while also getting their bachelor’s degree.

Now the question is: how do female flag football players get noticed at a DI level? The answer is visibility! Visibility is important because you can be the best person on the team, but if nobody is noticing you or talking about you, scouts cannot find you. Although flag football is growing, colleges like VC are struggling with visibility. I created a survey for VC students about the new flag football team. With 34 responses, 73.5% of people did not know that VC had a flag football team, but 70.6% of people would attend a game if they knew about it. When asked what they think about VC adding this new sport, one student states, “It’s very nice to see more variety in the sports at VC,” and another student says, “I think it’s cool; just make it more known because I haven’t heard of it.” This survey shows the importance of visibility. People are interested in going and supporting the team, but they did not know that we had this sport. To increase visibility, VC could promote the games more, hang up flyers for games, post it more on social media, and add activities to get the students involved at halftime during the games.

This program has all the potential to succeed in the future with the team currently having a breakout season blowing out the competition. With the future of flag football growing VC is breaking the stereotypes of female sports, making a more inclusive campus. When asked what kind of effect do you think this  program will have not only for female athletes but also the female student body? One student answered, “I think this creates a lot of opportunities for female athletes. For the longest time it was seen as a “boys” sport, so this will shift culture. It will challenge stereotypes and normalize strength, aggression, and athleticism in the female body” whereas another student answered, “I think it is a great gesture and unfortunately will underperform expectations on a broader scale. Female flag football just doesn’t have the same effect on the campus as mens college football does.” This is the stereotype this campus is trying to solve. Women’s sports can be just as entertaining as men’s sports if people take the time to watch it. Like the student pointed out, this creates more opportunities for female athletes whether that be for health reasons or for scholarships reasons. This program strengthens the inclusivity on campus and promotes new opportunities for women and the female student population. The best way this program can succeed is to build visibility. The season ends early May so there are many more games! Come and support your fellow students and who knows you might fall in love with the sport yourself. Come and find out March 23 when VC plays Irvine Valley college at VC at 5pm! This is just the beginning of a great season!!

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Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

The People Yearn For Community – Where is Your Third Space?

We all enjoy spending time with our friends and family but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do and where to go. Sure, going out for coffee or lunch is always nice but sometimes you don’t always want to spend tons of money just to hang out. That’s where the idea of a third space comes in — the place you go that’s not home or work. Third spaces help build community, allow for quality time to be spent with your people or yourself, and can even help you meet new people that have similar interests. Discovering a niche spot to spend time in that costs little to no money can seem pretty difficult sometimes. That’s why I’d like to highlight some pretty cool local spots that you may not even know about.

For all the music lovers out there I’d like to introduce The Grape. The Grape is a jazz club/bar in Ventura that has a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music, bring in outside food, grab a drink, and dance with little to no entrance fee.

My dad frequently goes to The Grape and I love joining him whenever I get the chance. I decided to interview him about his experiences here and what keeps him coming. He talked a lot about the cool atmosphere and vibe that The Grape offers but also states, “what really keeps me coming here is all the local bands and artists that they frequently host.” Following that thought saying. “I love how they’re conveniently right down the street.” So the next time you’re bored and not sure what to do maybe listening to some live music at The Grape is a good option for you.

Another place I wanted to put some spotlight on is Night Owl Ciderworks in downtown Ventura. This is a really cool family owned cider tasting room. They often host various pop up events, like local artists, karaoke, drag bingo, etc. However even if there isn’t an event going on this is still a super cool place to spend some time. They invite you to come hang out, bring outside food, play games, and if you’re really feeling it crack open your laptop and get some work done. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive change in scenery to hang out perhaps check out Night Owl.

Or perhaps your niche is board games. If this is the case then maybe Punchboard Cathedral game room is for you. This is a new spot that just opened up in downtown Ventura that offers a wide variety of board games to play, anything from simple games to highly strategic games. You can come in with friends or by yourself and meet new people. With an inviting, comfortable atmosphere this could just be your new third space.

My main objective with this article was to highlight some local niche third space options that might be new to some people. Third spaces are all around us whether this be your local park, local hiking trails, the beach, local libraries, the list goes on. But if you’re feeling like you might want to expand your options and find something more specific to your personal niches then maybe one of the options I’ve listed above might be a good fun option for you to check out!

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Sports & Leisure Student Life at VC

Life as a Junior College Student-Athlete

Balancing an academic schedule with being a track athlete is no small job. This is Caleb Stremcha, a junior college student who is also a mechanical engineering major and a track athlete. Every day he is careful and dedicated. When asked to describe a typical day, he said, “A typical day for me is very structured because I balance school, work, and track throughout the week. I attend classes four days a week and am currently taking 28 credits as a mechanical engineering major, so my time management is essential.”

Track practice is central to his routine. “Fortunately, three of my classes are online, and another one of my classes is track & field, which allows me to dedicate more of my time to my STEM courses,” he said. “On Mondays and Wednesdays, after finishing classes, I have a few hours of  break for lunch and then head to track practice. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I work for six hours before school, so on those days, I spend time recovering at home.” His days run from 8am to 6pm, so planning is a struggle. “I try to stay organized and plan ahead to keep everything on track.” Time management is his biggest challenge. “The biggest challenge is definitely managing time and maintaining energy throughout the day,” he admitted.

With mechanical engineering courses, he faces frequent overlap of assignments and exams. “At the same time, I still want to maintain a strong commitment to my training and internship.” And because his classes don’t always align with practice, he has to stay motivated. “Staying organized and using the flexibility of my online classes has been key.” The mental toll can also be heavy. “Balancing both roles can be mentally taxing at times,” he shared. “Having most of my day filled with classes, work, and training can feel overwhelming.”

Yet he leans on his support network. “I have friends in several of my classes, which helps the academic side feel more manageable,” he said. “And my girlfriend is very supportive and flexible with her schedule, so we can still spend time together.” These connections keep him grounded even in the busiest weeks. Support systems are crucial for his balance. “I have been fortunate to have strong support from several areas of my life,” he noted. “My professors are understanding of the commitments that come with being a student-athlete, and they’re often accommodating.”

His coaches also understand his dual dedication. “My coaches recognize the academic demands and support my efforts.” Even his work environment plays a huge role, “My workplace and internship have been very flexible with my schedule, which has made a huge difference.” Knowing people have his back helps reduce stress. “Having people who understand the balance I’m trying to maintain has helped reduce a lot of stress.”

Recovery of both mental and physical is a priority. “Recovery is something I’ve learned to take seriously because my schedule is so packed,” he said. “Physically, I manage my training load carefully, especially since some of my workouts are done independently.” Track practice spread throughout the week also helps him avoid burnout. “Mentally, I use my evenings to reset whether that’s resting, sleeping or self care”. Overall this shows how a junior college athlete lives and the amount of time he dedicates to both athletics and academics.

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Advice Student Life at VC

How to Master Balancing Multiple Responsibilities as a Community College Student

Many community college students have other responsibilities they have to balance on top of school. This could be working full-time jobs, parenting, managing mental health, and other major responsibilities that could interfere or hinder education. Balancing these roles can feel overwhelming and exhausting. For this article, I talked with students from different backgrounds about how they balance school and life. It looks at the challenges they face and shares tips that might help others dealing with similar struggles.

Heather Ornelas, a student parent attending Ventura College, has experienced times in her life where she was caring for her mother, raising her teenage son, and attending school full-time all at once. She admitted that,

“It can feel overwhelming trying to give your best in every area of your life at once.”

Heather shares a feeling that many student parents experience, which is the pressure to do well in school while still caring for family. This stressful situation can have a big impact on mental health if not managed. That’s why having a strong plan is so important when life gets busy. Staying organized is how Heather balances hers.

“I rely a lot on planning ahead. I check Canvas daily, write down all my deadlines, and break bigger assignments into smaller steps so they don’t pile up. I also try to work ahead when I know I have a busy week coming up.”

These tips reduce a lot of stress and make time for other responsibilities. Having a structured schedule and planning ahead can really make a difference for students. When mapping out your week, setting aside time for classes, work shifts, and family, everything will start to feel more manageable.

On stressful days, prioritizing mental health is really important. For Heather, she uses campus resources and focuses on her personal wellness to help manage stress.

“I’ve used counseling resources on campus, which helped me talk through things instead of holding everything in. I’ve also started going to the gym regularly, which has made a huge difference in managing stress and anxiety.”

It’s important to use school resources when you need assistance or guidance. A lot of students try to handle stress, problems with academics, or financial challenges on their own, but colleges provide many helpful resources that they could be using for help. Many colleges offer counseling, tutoring, advising, and other support systems specifically to help students navigate difficult situations.

Every students situation is difference, so the way they manage their responsibilities will be different too. While some, like Heather, juggle parenting and caregiving, others, like Eddie, that have to manage the physical and mental strain of full-time employment.

A full-time mechanic and student, Eddie has days that are often long and exhausting. His biggest challenge, he explained, has been:

“Getting a full 8 hours of sleep, squeezing in time for homework, and balancing my personal life.”

After spending most of his day at work, he has found that he has little energy to focus on assignments. This can easily lead to missing assignments, grade drops, or added stress if not managed carefully. To prevent this, Eddie has found some solutions that has helped him:

“I plan ahead and map out deadlines on a calendar to stay on top of homework. I like to set reminders a few days before assignments are due to help prevent stress. I also think it’s important to create a consistent weekly routine, such as dedicating certain times of the day for homework.”

Planning a schedule you can consistently follow that fits your daily responsibilities can make a significant difference in staying organized and productive. Building a steady routine will also improve discipline and make you feel in control of a busy life.

Heather and Eddie’s experiences show that balance isn’t about having fewer responsibilities but more about managing them correctly. Their stories show the importance of planning, using available resources, protecting mental health, and staying on top of assignments.

Hopefully, these tips and experiences from community college students can give guidance and encouragement as you manage your own busy schedule.