By: Jenna Wirth –
From Tucson, Arizona, Chandler Plante, a sophomore majoring in magazine journalism, slays at everything she does. She’s currently on the social media board for Gamma Phi Beta, Assistant Web Editor for Jerk Magazine, Vice President for Ed2010, Cast Relations Co-Director for DanceWorks, Newhouse Peer Advisor, and Campus Manager for Teas.
How do you manage your time?
Joining all these things showed me how to manage my time better. For me, school always comes first. I have a system where I have all these notes on my door just so that I know everything that is happening in my life at a moments notice. I prioritize the things that I can get done quickly first and then I move onto bigger projects that I work on every day. That’s the most important thing is just not letting projects sit until the last minute. I just try to inch towards big projects ever single day once I get the little things done.
How did you find that balance?
It took me a long time to get involved in all these things. I slowly was just adding on, so it was just something I got used to over time. Luckily that was how it went because I wouldn’t have been able to balance it all from the get-go. It takes a lot of practice and responsibility.
What advice would you give to students struggling to find that balance?
A lot of people come in thinking that they’re interested in something but they’re not. So, if you think you might be interested in something else take a class or try it out because when you’re involved in things you genuinely care about, it makes commitment so much easier. It doesn’t feel like work then. If it ever gets too heavy or burdensome, then drop it and try something else. That’s what college is all about.
How do you deal with mental breakdowns?
I get a lot of anxiety because I don’t like letting people down and I’m a big people pleaser. To avoid anxiety, I resort to my creative outlets. I also take a break to hang out with people and be re-inspired and get advice. You can’t do all this on your own. That’s something I hate to admit but sometimes you must rely on others to help keep you going. We must be there for each other. We can’t all do it on our own.
Biggest role model(s)?
One of my biggest role models is Tyler Smith. She’s in DanceWorks with me. I admire her for the brightness, energy, and happiness she brings to people because a lot of times people forget about that. She’s always looking out for everyone else, which is something I try to do. I always want to show kindness and passion to people. I also admire my Jerk Editor, Sam Berlin, because of how creative and ambitious she is. She knows how to do everything, and if she doesn’t, she wants to learn, and she isn’t afraid to reach out to people.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Writing my first print story for Jerk because I’ve been waiting to see my words on paper for so long since no one can ever take that away from you. I’m also proud of winning the best student nonfiction award my freshmen year. That was a big deal for me because creative writing is something I’m truly passionate about and want to do in my future.
How would you define success?
Success to me is being happy with what you’re doing by doing something you’re passionate about, making the world a better place or contributing in some way, shape or form that you want to see, and being kind to others and spreading lots of love and doing things that contribute to society. We can all do it.
Would you consider yourself successful?
Yes, I think I’m very successful where I’m at right now, but we’re all going to get more successful. I don’t think I’ll ever be done.
What’s your goal?
Doing something I’m passionate about, being surrounded by awesome people, and giving lots of good vibes and love to everyone.