Interview: BALANCING ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL LIFE

By Akangbe Nadrat Ashabi

On the 22nd of April 2026, Psychlens Press had a conversation with the Course Representative of the 200-level Psychology Department, focusing on the theme of balancing academics, leadership, and personal life. With this semester’s schedule heavily influenced by early morning (7 a.m.) classes, the discussion highlighted both the challenges and strategies involved in staying effective as a student leader.

Psychlens Press: I’m Nadrat from Psychlens Press. We’d like to have a question-and-answer session with you on leadership and how you balance it with your academic and personal life. Can you introduce yourself and your role as class representative?

Ms. Folawemimo: My name is Rafiu Folawemimo Fathia, and I am the Course Representative for 200 level.

Psychlens Press: What motivated you to take up the responsibility of being a class representative?

Ms. Folawemimo: I can’t really point to one specific reason. I just enjoy creating solutions to problems we faced before we resumed physically, and I love coordinating people.

Psychlens Press: This semester includes several 7 a.m. classes. How has that affected your daily routine, and how do you manage to stay sharp for leadership duties so early in the day?

Ms. Folawemimo: For me, it’s just one 7 a.m. class, but it can still be overwhelming. Sometimes I have to wake up as early as 5 a.m. to confirm from lecturers whether classes will hold, all for the benefit of my fellow students.

Psychlens Press: Do you think 7 a.m. classes impact students’ academic performance?

Ms. Folawemimo: Psychologically, morning is actually the best time for assimilation. However, students still face challenges—the important thing is how we overcome them.

Psychlens Press: What is the most time-consuming part of being a class representative that students don’t usually see?

Ms. Folawemimo: A lot, honestly,arranging classes, printing attendance sheets, passing information. These tasks may seem simple, but they take a lot of time and effort.

Psychlens Press: When your academic workload peaks, how do you decide which class rep duties can wait and which require immediate attention?

Ms. Folawemimo: I usually handle most things at night when I’m relatively free. I prioritize urgent issues, while less pressing matters—like some makeup test concerns—can wait.

Psychlens Press: What sacrifices have you had to make to remain effective in your role?

Ms. Folawemimo: My time, definitely. Also my personal space—like receiving calls very early in the morning or late at night—and even my diet.

Psychlens Press: How do you handle stress or burnout?

Ms. Folawemimo: I talk to my friends, and sometimes even my entire class.

Psychlens Press: Has being a class representative changed your social dynamics within the department?

Ms. Folawemimo: Yes, in a very positive way.

Psychlens Press: How do you maintain your friendships and personal time?

Ms. Folawemimo: I make sure there’s balance. Without balancing my role, my friendships, and my personal time, I won’t be able to perform effectively.

Psychlens Press: In one sentence, how would you describe this semester?

Ms. Folawemimo: It has been a very challenging semester.

Psychlens Press: Finally, what advice would you give to students struggling to balance everything?

Ms. Folawemimo: They should learn how to prioritize and find what works best for them.

Psychlens Press: Thank you so much for your time.