Life is a circus, and I’m the juggler with a few monkeys in the mix! Balancing family, work, school, and the everyday chaos can feel like I’m being pulled in a dozen directions at once. With all the new beginnings recently, I’ve met so many wonderful people who ask, “How do you handle it?” Most of the time, I laugh, shrug, and say, “It’s a lot!” But underneath the chuckle, there’s a whole lot of effort that makes this balancing act possible. After four years of refining my routine, I’ve found a few key things that keep me grounded in the madness.
First and foremost, I couldn’t do any of this without my husband. His support has been crucial—he takes on all those little daily tasks so I can focus on my studies without worrying about dinner, packing lunches, or picking up stray toys for the fiftieth time that day. He gets how much my education means to me, and that understanding has made it possible for me to keep pushing forward. During this journey, we’ve welcomed two kids and even got married, timing life’s biggest moments to school breaks rolling with the punches and finding those last-minute opportunities.
Secondly, we’ve made family time outside the house a priority. Most weekends, you’ll find us at the farmers market, taking long drives, or visiting nearby family. Working and studying from home means I’m glued to my computer a lot, so these outings are a breath of fresh air—literally. They help me unplug, recharge, and enjoy being in the moment with my kids. Sometimes, I wonder if all the hours I pour into my education might have a negative impact on them, but then I see how they’ve grown—sassy, smart, kind, and endlessly curious. They create their own little adventures wherever we go, and I couldn’t be prouder of who they’re becoming.
Routine is another essential piece of my sanity puzzle. A consistent schedule for work, daycare, preschool, and school means I can carve out time to study without constant interruptions. It’s not just for me, though—it helps the kids know what to expect each day, which cuts down on the number of meltdowns we have to navigate. Little life hacks, like meal planning and grocery pickup, save me from endless thoughts about dinner.
Speaking of dinner, there’s nothing like the comfort of my grandmother’s Cheeseburger Soup as the weather cools down. It’s a family favorite that fills the house with warmth and makes enough for leftover lunches. These hearty meals are a lifesaver, especially on nights when I’m staying up late writing induction proofs or wrapping up a design document.
But above all, what keeps me going is my love for my job and my field. Computer science has been an incredible journey, pushing me to explore my potential and constantly learn new things. This passion makes tackling tough concepts feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. It’s what keeps me excited, even when I’m staring down a mountain of assignments. And right now, I’m eagerly looking forward to my upcoming capstone project:
The Escape Room Challenge! My team and I are creating a 3D Escape Room game, and I can’t wait to dive in.
Sure, life is a bit of a circus, but I wouldn’t trade my role as the juggler for anything. Through all the chaos, I’ve learned that it’s the little things—the family drives, the comfort food, the unexpected laughs—that make the whole act worth it.
