Balancing Life's Relationships

As I have gotten older, I have developed so many relationships over the years. There have been school friendships and church friendships. There have also been relationships between my relatives, both in America and overseas in the Philippines. However, the most important ones have been with my father, mother, and younger brother. I believe that I have gained so many friendships and relationships over the years. Although some of them have fallen apart, I am appreciative of the ones that have remained. 

Coming to college brought many more friendships into my life. Due to classes, events around campus, living in the dorms, and participating in one of the choir's, I have either been acquainted with many people on campus or acquired friendships that I hope will remain throughout the years. Nevertheless, I have learned that in order to keep a friendship growing strong, it takes two. It takes the effort of those two people in a relationship or friendship to keep it going. 

Before beginning Nursing school I already knew that my relationships with family and friends were going to be distant. I consider them to be important, however I also know that I have to make sure that I have time for homework and studying. Balancing relationships within life is definitely something that takes work and determination. 

Currently, I believe that the hardest relationships to balance in my life are the ones at school. For instance, last semester, my roommates and I have recently befriended some guys who live near us on campus. We have had fun by watching movies, eating meals together, and having random adventures. We have the most fun by playing Just Dance 4. Although hanging out with them is the most interesting and greatest fun I have had this year, I have to learn to balance these moments of growth in my relationships with all of them. 

A potential spot to eat a meal and catch up with a friend at the same time.
Photo Credit: Sandy Sue Arce

I have recently discovered that the best way for me to maintain and develop my relationships (for now, and especially during Nursing school) is for me to set up either a group or one-on-one lunch, dinner, or late-night meal. Through this, I feel like I am "killing two birds with one stone": 1. eating a essential meal of the day and 2. catching up with friends. I really feel like doing this at Brisco's or at the Alumni Dining Commons (ADC or Caf) would be an effective way for me to sustain my relationships and friendships. 

All in all, I truly value my relationships and friendships on campus and off. I feel terrible when I realize that I do not see as many of my friends as often as I would like. Or when I have to turn away plans with friends because I have to do homework or study. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with having occasional fun with friends. In the end, during this time of Nursing school, I really have to learn to balance these important aspects of my life.