REXBURG, Idaho—For many, balancing a rigorous graduate program is a full-time challenge. For BYU-Idaho alumnus Porter Bartschi, it is just one piece of a beautifully chaotic puzzle. Between intense academic demands, family life and running two separate business ventures, he isn’t just surviving the hectic pace; he’s thriving.
Currently a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Utah, his daily routine is a masterclass in time management. On top of his demanding studies and being a father of two, he and a classmate manage a social media platform dedicated to helping aspiring students navigate the competitive physical therapy admissions process. If that weren't enough, Bartschi spends his nights and weekends running a residential painting business to help fund his education.
It is a lifestyle that many would find overwhelming, but he credits his undergraduate time in Rexburg for giving him the tools to handle the pressure.
"First and foremost, BYU-I kind of pushed me and helped me develop ways to be a natural leader," Bartschi said. "I'd say that BYUI also taught me how to keep my priorities straight. I mean, I'm doing a lot, but my family is still the most important thing to me, my kids and my wife."
During his time at BYU-Idaho, Bartschi was deeply influenced by several professors who inspired him to push past his perceived limits and strive for his full potential. Now, looking back on his journey, his advice for current students or those eyeing graduate school is rooted in faith and divine potential.
"You're never going to fully understand the potential the Lord has in store for you," Bartschi said. "Learning to trust in the Lord and His system for me to be able to grow and just continue to trust in Him."
Despite a schedule that could easily consume every hour of his week, Bartschi emphasizes the critical importance of stepping back to recharge. He recently chose to step away from a fully booked weekend of painting jobs to spend a few days with his wife, his high school sweetheart, and their kids at a cabin. It is a boundary he refuses to compromise on.
"That really just kind of, again, kickstarted me with a new kind of energy," he said.
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Bartschi’s journey serves as a powerful reminder: keeping your priorities aligned and trusting in divine timing can turn life's chaos into a pathway for growth.