Fresno City College students are finding they have fewer and fewer hours of leisure both during the summers and during the school year.
According to Fresno City College Psychological Services Coordinator, Dr. Brian Olowude, “Many students on campus are working too hard and rarely rest. Working beyond your physical capacity is damaging.”
FCC Student Mai Her, said that she couldn’t enjoy the summer because all she did was work. She worked full-time at McDonalds to save for college and get a car. Too quickly, the summer was gone, and Her said college already started. Her added, “My summer was a drag, but I had my three friends with me at work.”
Another FCC student Zeb White, a sociology major in his third semester, said he tried to make as much money as he could, but “spent it as it came.” White is the on Rams football team and has plans to transfer to a four-year college. White said he hopes his journey to the NFL will start.
According to Dr. Olowude, “People tend to put themselves last and all their responsibilities first. You don’t want your schooling to cost you your mental health.”
Olowude said students should know that getting some rest is good, “The more vacation time people have, and the more capable they are to complete tasks.”
Brian Bravo, another FCC student, said he didn’t have much of a summer either. Bravo spent his summer taking English classes at FCC, and working. Bravo is an English major and in his third year. He’s a delivery truck driver for a local business, which help him pay for college. Bravo said he takes care of his responsibilities, but splurges when he has the extra money.
For single mother of five children and FCC student Khetam Musleh, life is busy around the year, and summers are no exception. She juggles between school and housework while majoring as a medical assistant.
“It would be very hard to pay for school without financial aid,” said Musleh. She added that financial aid provides her a much-needed support.
FCC student David Vue did not qualify for financial aid. He said he couldn’t receive money for school because he had trouble registering for it. Vue said he’s is stuck paying for full time courses while only being able to manage a minimum wage job. “I always manage in some way, but it’s hard.” His goal for this semester is to have a more of a determined mindset, really try and become a counselor.
Dr. Olowude cautions students that taking time to relax does not mean requesting time off from work or skipping a class. Instead, it means spending some time to focus on oneself. Olowude said, “Getting much needed rest means one’s creativity and energy will be higher, and you can achieve your goals.”
Dr. Olowude encourages students who are overwhelmed by their various responsibilities to visit his office for counseling. His services are offered free of charge to any registered FCC student for up to eight sessions. The Psychological service office is located right above the bookstore. Office Hours are between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday but with limited service on Friday. The office can be reached by phone at extension 8749.
He urges students to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy some rest.
