Blog 14-What are some possible strategies for women to use in finding balance in their professional, educational and personal lives?

It is a blessing to be a woman because I believe we are created to manage and multi-task throughout life whether it is school, work or kids.  I don't believe I have a specific strategy, as of now, I'm a single mom of 3, working full time, and school full time.  One of my children has ADHD and the youngest suffering from asthma.  It is all about a schedule that naturally happens as additional tasks come along in life.  You learn to adapt and find your own routine that best coincide with your schedule.  It also requires a back up plan and a just in case plan.  A back up plan is when you have absolutely no way of picking up the kids, you are sick and you are low on gas and have to find family or friends who are willing to step in and play a temporary mom (or dad).  A just in case plan is when you are functioning but happen to be running a little late, that is when neighbours and friends come through.  Their are many times I'm running late in the morning and my neighbour will pass by, honks and asks if he can take my kids to school with his daughter for me.  Or if you are running behind due to a meeting or stuck in traffic, that is when you can reach out to another parent or neighbour and have children picked up.

 

It is easy to advise but it is hard to follow if you do not know the situation or the requirements of that adult and lifestyle.  How demanding is the job or school? How many kids are their? Young or old? Sick or healthy? Sports? Day to day issues?  All these are factors on how and if you can manage yourself.  The best advice is networking around, building a relationship with your neighbours, and being prepared for the worst.  Multitasking is a special skill that is mastered over years of practice.  I believe it prepares us for our careers where multitasking is defiantly the key.

 

Dana Anderson

End of semester reflection- Of the topics and information that we have covered this semester in the course, what has been the most impactful or interesting?

During this semester, it has amazed me about all the different views and thoughts we have.  It shows, how coming from different parts of the world,  different cultures,  different up bringing and values can take part on our decisions and actions that we take pertaining to our health.  I personally have never blogged before about anything and this has been truly a genuine experience for me.  To openly speak about our own opinions and thoughts on things allows to educate others or think outside the box they may have been used to being in.  I believed I have enjoyed the STD post where if we decided being promiscuous is a class thing or not.  It was interesting to know how the age difference or current marital status for example made a difference on how we answered some questions.  History and experience of certain things in life does allow you to understand and appreciate the value of health.  I know since I have become a health major that I have been exposed to so much information that has allowed me to question myself twice about all decisions I make.  It has been a true pleasure to all who have read my blogs through the semester and thank each and everyone that has corresponded their thoughts.