I have participated in three of Students for Life’s fellowship programs, and every year I have learned something new. However, each year I am reminded of one important skill that is needed to develop excellence: balance.

I am not only a William Wilberforce Fellow; I also work as a Sidewalk Advocate Coordinator with Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo and lead a weekly Bible study. I’d be lying if I said it was easy. However, this semester has challenged me in a good way. This year, I am tasked with juggling school, the fellowship, the part-time job, the Bible study, and maintaining my faith life as a whole.

As I learned to balance all of these responsibilities, I have three tips for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation.

1. Discipline yourself.

Make a checklist or calendar with set times of things that need to get done — make sure to include both work and personal events. This helps with accountability, so the things that need to get done are on your radar and easily accessible.

2. Set aside time for family and friends.

When you have people in your circles who care for you, encourage you, and want to have genuine fun with you, it accomplishes so much. It reminds you that there are people rooting for you when you feel alone in the movement. It also offers you well-deserved time to relax, have fun, and make memories with loved ones.

3. Make Christ the center of everything you do.

As I first entered this academic year, there was a lot to handle, especially the heaviness and hurt that comes with the issue of abortion. I started going to our parish’s adoration nights, and I gave the hurt from each day to our Lord, and it was really comforting in uniting the suffering with Jesus.

It can be difficult to balance school, work, and pro-life leadership on campus, but know that you are not alone. In this movement, it is important that when you are in that tough spot to reach out to the pro-life community around you.

The pro-life movement is more than a movement; it is a family. Families stick together, and we will abolish abortion in our lifetime.