By Mirai Kako
Outside of my ASU Prep Digital classes, my life is filled with responsibilities, hobbies, and goals that keep me motivated every day. Even though my schedule can get busy, I make sure to dedicate time to the things that matter most to me because they help me stay balanced and remind me of who I am beyond school.
One of the biggest parts of my life outside of class is volunteering. I’ve completed over 150 hours of community service, mostly helping out at my local church. I usually volunteer on weekends, helping with events, organizing donations, and supporting different programs. Volunteering has taught me how important it is to give back to my community, and it’s helped me become more patient, responsible, and compassionate toward others.
Another big part of my life is working toward my future healthcare career. I’m planning to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later an RN, and eventually a Nurse Anesthetist. Outside of classes, I spend time researching programs, studying anatomy, and watching educational videos about nursing. I do this almost every week because it keeps me inspired and focused on my goals.
I also make time for family. Spending time with my family helps me relax after a long week of classes and studying. Whether it’s cooking together, going out, or just talking, it reminds me that school isn’t everything; relationships and memories are just as important.
Balancing school with these activities has definitely taught me about time management. I plan out my week so I can stay on top of my schoolwork while still having time to volunteer and spend time with family. ASU Prep Digital makes this balance easier because of its flexible schedule, which lets me learn at my own pace and organize my time around my personal responsibilities.
To other ASU Prep Digital students, I’d say: don’t forget to make time for life outside of class. Your hobbies, work, and family experiences all help shape who you are. Explore what makes you happy, and build a schedule that lets you grow both academically and personally.