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You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Life too short for overcommitment

Life too short for overcommitment

August 31, 2005 by Jaci Schneider

By Jaci Schneider, Copy Editor

Much Ado About Something

Classes have only been in session for a week, and I already feel like I’m getting behind. In the past few days, I feel like I’ve attended a million meetings, get-togethers and activities. While I enjoy most of these activities I’m involved in, I can’t help but feel sometimes that one less club or job would make my life immensely more simple.

The problem is, a college campus is an exciting place. Something is always going on, clubs are always looking for people to lead them, organizations always need volunteers, and schoolwork is always waiting to be finished. While joining in on every activity on campus might seem like the fun thing to do, committing to too many things is not wise because it leads to stress and overwork.

I know that many people on campus do much more than me and have more leadership positions and jobs, and they can handle it all without too much stress. But it the past few years, I’ve discovered that life can be more fun with more free time. The old adage, "less is more," might have some truth in it after all.

Getting involved on campus is great. It’s a wonderful way to meet people, learn and begin new relationships, but one person can only do so much.

Before joining one more club or agreeing to help with one more project, take a minute to evaluate your schedule; make sure you have the time to dedicate to do a good job in the position. Not only will you be miserable by relinquishing all your free time, you are also being unfair to the other members of that club by not being able to fully dedicate yourself to the project or goal, something I am guilty of and hope not to do in the future.

One of the best parts of college life is the friendships. While being a leader of a club might look good on graduate school or job applications, I want to make sure I leave college with more than just a full resume. I want to leave this university with memories of good times with great friends and lasting relationships. My remaining time in college is too short to waste on over commitment.

Filed Under: Columns

Other Opinion:

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About Jaci Schneider

You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Life too short for overcommitment

Other Opinion:

  • Federal funding cuts hurt local journalism, Americans

  • Chapel requirements shift, students perspectives follow

  • Breaking down the madness: Predictions, upsets, contenders

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The Optimist staff won several awards and competed at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association 2026 convention in Denton this weekend. Students participated in live contests and submitted work from the past year into the competition.Here are the results.- 1st place: Live print news writing, Ashley Henderson- 1st place: Live print sports writing, Roman Raffaeli- 2nd place: Live tv announcing, Zion Webb- 2nd place: Live news photo, Daniel Curd- 2nd place: Newscast, Optimist Staff- Honorable mention: Documentary (video), Makayla Clayton- 2nd place: Documentary, JMC documentary production class- 3rd place: General news, Callie Leverett- Honorable mention: General column, Zion Webb- Honorable mention: Sports reporting (video), Roman Raffaeli- Honorable mention: Live sports action photo, Daniel Curd- Honorable mention: General news video story, Ashley Henderson- Honorable mention: Photo illustrations (Daniel Curd & Optimist staffStudents also received awards for their work through KACU and ACUTV.- 1st place: In-depth news reporting (audio), Ashley Henderson- 1st place: General news audio story, Baylie Simon- 1st place: Live sports coverage (video), Roman Raffaeli & London Gray- 2nd place: Live sports coverage (video), Josiah Wonnell & Londyn Gray- 3rd place: General news audio story, Ashley Henderson- 2nd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Sportscast (audio), Daisy Strine & Zion Webb- 3rd place: Feature reporting (audio), Baylie Simon- Honorable Mention: Feature reporting (audio), Josiah Wonnell#acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentmedia #tipa2026 ... See MoreSee Less

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Sororities and fraternities began New Member Orientation with Bid Day, officially starting the pledging process this weekend.Originally scheduled for last week, the start was delayed due to winter weather that brought snow and ice to campus. Clubs and their sponsors gathered at designated locations on and off campus to complete tasks assigned by their officers.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #greeklife 📸: Daniel Curdacuoptimist.com/2026/02/gallery-clubs-begin-new-member-orientation-after-weather-delay/?fbclid=PA... ... See MoreSee Less

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