We had the opportunity of interviewing Joyce, an alum from UCLA and student at Rice University about: Balancing Life
Here are some of her qualifications:
a professional violinist
a YouTuber who shares valuable advice about her violin experiences
Here are some of her main points:
"Lots of people are still figuring things out in their undergrads so don’t feel the pressure to have everything together in high school!"
"I used the pomodoro technique a lot to help with studying and practicing (or any activity that requires you to stay on task."
"...not be so uptight about everything! Like I mentioned, my high school life was so stressful because I felt like I had so much on my plate and that I had to get ahead."
Q: What is one thing you wish you knew while you were in high school?
A: To not be so uptight about everything! Like I mentioned, my high school life was so stressful because I felt like I had so much on my plate and that I had to get ahead. I didn’t get to hang out with my friends much or go to sports games and enjoy that side of high school life. Looking back now, I don't necessarily regret not having taken part in those activities, but I know that I could’ve made time to do those things or at least loosened up about those things.
Lots of people are still figuring things out in their undergrads so don’t feel the pressure to have everything together in high school!
Q: Have your passions always been the same as your actions? Or did you jump around a bit before settling?
A: I’ve always known that I have wanted to be a violinist since I was very young! It was nice because it gave me a clear path since I was 12~13 years old and I know most people don’t get that luxury of knowing exactly what they want to do.
Q: Are you more of a multi-tasker or do you stay focused on one thing at a time?
A: With having to juggle so much in my life, I’ve definitely had to learn to multitask. I used the Pomodoro technique a lot to help with studying and practicing (or any activity that requires you to stay on task.)
Q: Are you more spontaneous and flexible or do you follow a strict schedule?
A: I follow a very strict schedule! Spontaneity happens every now and then when I know my most required tasks have been completed. I’ve been using google calendar since my freshman year in undergrad to help keep track of everything!
Q: Whenever you felt like giving up, how did you get yourself motivated again?
A: I try to walk away from whatever task it is I am bothered by or by employing the pomodoro technique to help refocus. Sometimes I give up because I am frustrated, but sometimes I also give up because I am just tired and worn out! Being able to realize what the case is, can help figure out some sort of a solution for motivation.