As the usually crammed parking lots encompassing the California Baptist University campus become empty, it is evident to those living on campus that the weekend has arrived.
Spots in front of campus living areas that were not vacant days before now hold a world of parking pos- sibilities. Where did all the cars go? Have they gone off on crazy college adventures, or have they wandered home for a weekend away from school?
For Kim N. Carter, junior nursing major, weekends are less about relaxing and more about doing homework while juggling her busy calendar. With clinicals, races for cross-country and being a junior in college, time for anything other than school has nearly ceased to exist in her world.
“Friday is usually a day filled with some studying, some running and preparation for a cross-country race, if I have one that week,” Carter said. “Saturday is usually a race day and it consists of getting up at 6 a.m., traveling to the race, racing and coming back. After that I will normally take a nap and try to get some homework and studying done for the next week. “Sunday starts off with a long run in the morning and then I go to church. After church more studying and maybe some relaxing.”
Balancing a busy schedule is commonplace for col- lege students in hopes of succeeding academically and planning to graduate.
For Robin M. Kahn, senior liberal studies major, going home is about much more than a pleasant
escape. As a mother of two, Kahn spends her weekends chauffeuring her 11-year-old girl and 7-year- old boy to and from swimming, soccer and Girl Scouts while barely squeezing any time in for homework.
“Every Saturday my son has a soccer game here in Riverside and his games can go anywhere from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Kahn said.
The constant battle for finishing an assignment and getting a child to a practice or a meeting on time can be a bit overwhelming, and for Carter finding a time without homework’s pressing demand can be tough.
“Being a nursing major means I pretty much have no break from schoolwork,” Carter said. “If I do not have a test to study for, there is usually a bunch of assignments or a project that I have to work on.”
Despite having less time for themselves and daunting homework tasks ahead of them, both Kahn and Kim said they always find time for God and hope to glorify him in the work that they do.
“On Sundays we usually go to Harvest,” Kahn said. “Sunday afternoon is when I get to do homework.” For Carter, it is finding time to thank God for providing her with the ability to do the things she does and understanding she could not have made it this far without Him.
“I have to give myself some relaxation time, otherwise I will not be able to do my best in the things I have to get done, especially when it comes to my spiritual life,” Carter said. “I have to make spending time with God a priority, so that in all the things I am doing I have Him at the center and as my focus. He is the reason that I am able to do what I do.”
Weekends are not always about an escape as the exodus from campus may lead some to believe.
Not everyone gets to enjoy the vacation that the term “weekends” imply. For Carter, weekends are about piles of homework, running races and praising her savior, while for Kahn weekends mean meetings, swimming, soccer and Girl Scouts.
“I wish I had more time on the weekends to do other things,” Carter said. “I love the sport that I play and the major I have, but I really wish I had more time to invest in my relationships with other people, to just go to the beach, and spend time with my family and boyfriend.”
A weekend is not that long. Two days, and then it is back to another Monday, and the time to get everything done can seem impossible to find, but it is more than that. It is finding the time to focus on what is truly important — career goals and loved ones.
