RACHEAL ALVSTAD / Scroll Photo Illustration

College may be stretching students too thin

Jamie Moon MOO05002@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

The sun has not yet risen as Shelley LeDosquet, a freshman from Sultan, Wash., arrives to work with the custodial crew at the Eliza R. Snow Building. She repeats this routine at 4 a.m. everyday except Thursdays and Sundays. Despite the early hours, LeDosquet still manages a positive attitude.

“It’s hard, but I seem to manage my time so it’s not too bad. It is possible,” LeDosquet said.

LeDosquet arranged some of her classes so she could go home and back to sleep.

“I really have no set daily schedule. It just depends on sleep,” LeDosquet said.

Aside from rearranging her academic schedule, LeDosquet has also had to rearrange her social schedule as well.

“I have to sacrifice to get to bed earlier so that I can focus on my studies” she said.

Brant Crowther, a junior from Burbank, Wash., is another student who has a busy schedule. Between working as a janitor from 4 a.m. – 7 a.m., to carrying 22 credits, while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A. both fall and winter semesters, Crowther still finds time for his church calling and girlfriend.

“I have had a 4.0 since my mission. It is challenging, but fun. I like to be able to learn so many things.”

Does Crowther feel that he is stretched too thin?

“Sure. Sometimes I feel like I have too much to do, but it always works out,” he said.

In addition to everything Crowther has on his plate, he is majoring in elementary education with endorsements in Spanish education and physical education. This is an extra 40 credits. Crowther will graduate with more than 160 credits.

Crowther offered advice to other students who have a lot to do.

“Pick something every week to get better at! Become more efficient,” he said.

With a challenging church calling, Crowther remains upbeat and reflects on the opportunities that come from his calling.

“I like being able to help others and get to know them,” Crowther said. “There are so many people here at BYU-I that are great examples who you can feed off of to want to become better.”

Aaron Kinghorn, a sophomore from Puerto De Santa Maria, Spain, is another BYU-I student working and going to school at the same time.

However, his schedule is a little different. Kinghorn doesn’t actually go to bed until he gets home from work at 1 a.m. He waxes the floors on campus from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Kinghorn recognizes many disadvantages to having this job.

“Sometimes it’s hard; sometimes it’s not,” Kinghorn said. “It is hard when it gets to testing time. Midterms are really hard. On Friday nights you’ve got to do early dates. Basically I had to learn to not have a life.”

Kinghorn has also learned to rearrange his schedule to accommodate work.

“When I come home I have to get right on my homework. Then I take a nap, and when I wake up it is time to go to work,” Kinghorn said.

Like LeDosquet, Kinghorn has learned how to look on the bright side.

“It’s fun to work,” he said. “It gives you a sense of independence. It is really hard to manage time, but you make a sacrifice to get the money you need to go to school.”

Janel Mortensen, a freshman from St. Anthony, Idaho, has a work schedule that isn’t quite as grueling. She doesn’t wax floors and she doesn’t clean toilets. Mortensen works in the acquisitions department in the David O. McKay Library anytime she wants between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Since she works in the daytime, Mortensen said she really didn’t have to make any adjustments to manage her time.

“This is what I’ve always done. In high school I did sports, so I never got home until 5 p.m. anyway,” Mortensen said.

Many jobs are available for students who may be struggling to put themselves through college or even for those who just want some extra spending money.