Campus Club Ambassador Temi Adisa shares how she stays balanced while doing the most as a full-time actuarial science student, from scheduling rest to knowing exactly when she works best.
One of the biggest shocks when I entered university was realizing it was nothing like the Hollywood movies. There were no dramatic slow-motion walks across campus or perfectly balanced social lives. Honestly, I felt a little bamboozled at first. But I quickly adjusted and eventually started to truly enjoy the experience.
I'm currently a full-time 4th-year actuarial science student minoring in statistics. I have two jobs. I'm the president of the actuarial club at my university and the Coaching Actuaries ambassador. I sing in my church choir. If there were a definition for "doing the most," it might be me.
If there were a definition for "doing the most," it might be me.
You might wonder, "Why is she doing all this?" I promise I'm not trying to burn myself out. I'm trying to prove something to myself. In high school, I barely participated in extracurricular activities, and I graduated with regrets. I told myself that when I got to university, I would show up fully. And here I am.
Leaning on What Grounds Me
That said, it can get overwhelming. I won't pretend it doesn't. What keeps me grounded is knowing it will be worth it in the end, and leaning on the systems that support me.
For me, one of those systems is my faith. When things feel bigger than I can handle, believing in something greater than myself gives me peace. It reminds me that my worth isn't tied to a grade, an exam result, or a leadership title.
Knowing Myself
One thing that has helped tremendously is knowing myself. I'm most productive in the early mornings, and I study best alone. So I wake up early, when my mind is fresh and everything is quiet. That's my sweet spot. You might be the opposite, and that's okay. The key is figuring out what works for you.
One thing that has helped tremendously is knowing myself.
Scheduling has also been life-changing. I put everything into my Google Calendar: classes, study blocks, meetings, deadlines, even rest. Yes, rest is scheduled. And I don't allow myself to feel guilty about it (even though that's still hard sometimes).
Body No Be Firewood
Where I'm from, we say, "Body no be firewood." The human body is not meant to burn endlessly. If you don't rest by choice, your body will force you to.
Balance is about doing what matters, sustainably.
Balance is about doing what matters, sustainably. And if you've made it this far, be proud of yourself. You're doing better than you think.
About the Author
Temi Adisa is a 4th-year actuarial science student minoring in statistics at the University of Prince Edward Island. She was part of the winning team in the CAS Summer Program Case Competition and is passionate about growing as a future actuary. Temi serves as president of her university's actuarial club and works as a student administrative assistant in the Registrar's Office. Outside of academics, she sings in her church choir and enjoys early morning walks with a good audiobook.