By Harley Wolfgang
Over the last few years, I have been lucky to take on several leadership and student employment opportunities. For those who don’t know me, I am one of CDR’s co-presidents, the president and executive producer of WSRU-TV (pictured), treasurer of Lambda Pi Eta (also pictured), and I have a few campus media jobs. I mention that because I think it gives you a little insight into why this topic is something I feel I should talk about—I know a thing or two about dealing with the pressure of student leadership. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, peer support, and partnerships with students in these organizations.
That said, becoming a leader, especially at the rapid pace that I did, is very stressful and exhausting. It was taxing on my mental health, and currently, I’m in the middle of learning how to deal with burnout without giving up—that’s a blog for another day. I’ve learned a few things through this process, which I wish someone could have shared with me when I started. So, I’m sharing them with you.
Hierarchy
Establish a hierarchy of concerns. In other words, list essential things to focus on and rank them from most to least important. It might be helpful for you to separate an academic hierarchy from a personal one and try to make sure they don’t impact each other too much.
If you are a college student, your classes and grades are the most important thing for your academic hierarchy. It’s easy to forget you’re paying thousands of dollars for classes when clubs or jobs consume you. Remember: classes come first.
From there, it’s up to you. My hierarchy looks like this:
Classes, grades, homework, etc.
Jobs - the things that pay me
Clubs that I’m in charge of - because they build my portfolio
Clubs I am not in charge of - because they’re fun
Volunteer hours - outside of my class, jobs, or club requirements.
You may not always be able to put energy or time into stuff at the bottom of the list, but that’s why the list exists.
Self Care
College kids suck at self-care. We barely sleep, we’re addicted to caffeine, we eat garbage fast food, and we stress out so much over our future. Student leaders are even worse with this! Trying to keep up with deadlines, peer expectations, advisor expectations, etc.
Take a deep breath, and let's talk about things you could do that are inexpensive and not time-consuming to manage your well-being.
Journaling
Attend events just for fun with friends
Movie nights with friends or peers
Take a walk around campus on your own at least once a day
Meditate
Get enough sleep
Try meal prepping rather than ordering out
Talk to counseling
Teamwork
Most of the time, student leaders aren’t alone in their organizations. You most likely have an E-Board. Don’t be afraid to work with those people and TRUST THEM. If you can create a solid, open line of communication with these people, you will find that your stress, anxiety, and fears dissolve a lot easier.
Compassion
Be compassionate with your team, your club members, and yourself. It’s unlikely that everything you try to do will succeed with flying colors. You will struggle, and you might fail; that’s the whole point. That is how you will learn. You cannot be perfect, so I hope you are kind as you and everyone around you learn many valuable lessons.
Mentorship
If you can get a mentor for whatever you do, do it. Be it a pro-staff member, professor, advisor, upperclassman, or alum, allow these people to teach you, guide you, and support you. These relationships have helped shape me and several of my friends into the capable leaders we are now. Don’t take an opportunity like that for granted.
Overall, take care of yourself, enjoy, learn, and grow. The opportunities you will have as a student leader are incredible and one of a kind. I’m excited for you!
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