Ashtyn Ziegler knows all too well about time management. The Women’s Basketball Captain, vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, resident advisor, group leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and employee at the fitness center–these are the many things she is involved with at Guilford. Settling into her junior year as an exercise and sports science major, I spoke with Ashtyn about how she manages her time and prioritizes what’s important.
Q: Being so heavily involved on campus, how do you manage your time?
A: It’s not easy whatsoever but I am an extremely active person and like to stay busy. I manage my time by getting things done early or wherever I have a break. Keeping a calendar and noting things that need to be done and when they need to be done really helps.
Q: Going along with time management, how do you find time to do things that aren’t related to your school activities, such as relaxing or hanging out with friends and family?
A: As I stated before, I try to get most things done earlier rather than later so I have more free time. Once I get myself on more of a routine it is easier to find time to relax and hang out with friends and family. While maintaining good grades is important, it is also important to spend time with those around you and enjoy life that’s not behind a computer screen.
Q: Do you ever find yourself dealing with burnout? If so, how do you fight it?
A: I have been there, yes. Especially being a student-athlete, there is a lot I have to deal with both physically and mentally. However, I have quickly learned that these four years of my college career are flying by, and ones that I will never get back. I’ve learned to enjoy every second whether it’s on the court, in the locker room or walking from class to class with friends. Keep a positive attitude and always have fun. It can be hard to deal with, but I have an amazing support system behind me in my teammates, coaches, friends and family.
Q: What made you want to get so heavily involved on campus?
A: I like meeting new people and trying to make an impact in some way. I found things that I was interested in, like FCA, and have pursued that. I like to stay busy while also doing things that are fun and that I enjoy. My coach gave me the opportunity to get involved with SAAC my freshman year, and I have stuck with it ever since. Being involved in these things helps me to be more of the leader that I am and prepares me for life after college.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you when you are in season?
A: While in season, my schedule gets even more hectic. Early mornings and late nights consist of practice or staying up late to finish homework assignments. I have class every single day, some days more than others, and may work for a couple of hours in between. I get to practice one to one and a half hours early for treatment and to warm myself up, add two to three lifts in there per week before or after practice, attend film and recovery sessions and then catch up on homework that night.
Q: Do you feel that being so heavily involved on campus helped make college feel a little more like home?
A: I think so, in my opinion. Being involved on campus helps to keep me busy and meet new people. It’s a good escape from crazy class schedules especially if it is something you enjoy doing.
Q: Lastly, if you had to give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen what would it be?
A: Don’t take anything for granted, enjoy every day that you get to get up and walk around campus, step on the court, hang out with teammates in the locker room, etc. Enjoy every day and have fun. They weren’t lying when they said these four years would be the best but will absolutely fly by.
