I am a Computer Science graduate student at Missouri State University and a part-time web programmer on campus. Being a full time student is hectic, as it is for many students, but I see my job as a great opportunity to use my academic knowledge and give back to the place that has given me so much.
A typical day of the week starts with a coffee, then classes and work until 5 PM. After returning home, I relax by spending time either playing with my dogs, painting, or working on any assignments. When assignments are not piling up, I shift my focus to learning and building my own projects. These personal projects not only add up to my knowledge but also motivate me.
During holidays, I love to escape and travel. While I love my academics and work life, a little break exploring new places helps me refresh my brain and brings me so much joy.

Balancing work and personal life is not easy, but here are a few habits that help me stay focused:

1. Scheduling classes and work with intentional gaps to avoid stress.
2. Marking assignment deadlines as due a day early.
3. Keeping a flexible to-do list that allows me to adjust based on each week.

My personal projects help me build on my academic knowledge and enhance my resume. I build projects that interest me and are usable by people (for example, a currency converter). While I do not always focus heavily on the frontend, I love working on the backend logic and functionality of the application.

Creativity has always been a part of who I am. Whether with paintings or trying out new cooking styles, that creative mindset naturally supports my work as a developer. Although I enjoy doing multiple activities, it’s the development that I always find myself coming back to.