Understanding the importance of school-life balance is crucial for academic success and well-being. Striking a harmonious balance allows students to excel in their studies while enjoying personal growth. As a non-traditional law student, successfully navigating through the demands of law school can be particularly challenging due to the additional responsibilities outside of academia. Balancing family obligations or work commitments alongside rigorous coursework and extracurricular activities requires careful planning and determination.

This past fall was my first semester back at Widener after having my daughter. It was challenging and exhausting, yet more rewarding than any previous semester. At first, the eternal struggle of balancing my workload with the responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and homeowner led me to become overwhelmed. However, I overcame these challenges and had my best semester yet by establishing a support system, prioritizing time management, and incorporating time for myself.

After I had my daughter, I was concerned about juggling motherhood and my academic schedule. I didn’t want to give up on my dream of becoming an attorney, and I couldn’t imagine missing out on important milestones in my daughter’s life. Luckily, Widener offers an extended division program to students. This is the only part-time program available in Central Pennsylvania, and students enrolled in this program do not have any work restrictions, making it more appealing to non-traditional students who work full-time or have families. I decided to switch to the extended division program, and I’m so glad I did. I have more time at home with my family and I can still be involved at school because students enrolled in the part-time program can participate in the full range of curricular and extracurricular options available to full-time students. 

It truly is incredible how much a mother can accomplish after she puts her child(ren) to sleep. Becoming a mother in law school has made me value time more than ever before. There are only so many hours in a day, and effective time management is crucial for law school success. I suggest using a planner and sticking to it. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and remember to be realistic when setting goals for what you plan to accomplish for the week. Writing out your schedule and intentions for the week helps clarify what you need to do and can ultimately enhance your mindset. Having a planner also allows you to create boundaries. You become more comfortable telling people ‘No’ if a plan or invitation does not fit your schedule. 

Whether a full-time or part-time student, being a law student is time-consuming, leaving little downtime for hobbies or a social life, but making time for yourself is imperative. I would not be able to mentally or emotionally balance school and my family if I did not carve out some time for myself. For me, regular exercise is my self-care. I feel my best mentally, emotionally, and physically when I am consistent with my workouts. I know many law students feel guilty about taking time for themselves but understanding the importance of self-care is essential for law students who experience stress and burnout far too often. Self-care is more than indulgence; it is about recognizing and addressing our needs to maintain a balanced and healthy life. Self-care is deeply personal and what works for others may not work for you. Identifying your individual self-care needs is a journey of introspection and awareness. Pay attention to activities that bring genuine joy and peace to your life, and remember to incorporate your self-care into your schedule. 

Most importantly, remember to give yourself grace as you navigate law school. If you find yourself struggling personally or academically, seek help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength and self-awareness. 

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