Brittany Kuecker, who recently earned a bachelor of science in political science and sociology from South Dakota State University, worked part-time throughout her undergraduate years to keep from accumulating debt. Brittany Kuecker successfully balanced her work responsibilities with her coursework and secured a place on the dean's list in her senior year.

If you work while attending college, scheduling can be extremely challenging. In addition to job hours and class hours, you must also arrange specific times for studying based on the workload of each class. A written plan can be extremely helpful in organizing all of your responsibilities, from work hours to time needed to complete a term paper.

To make a workable schedule, you first need to prioritize. Work will command certain hours and classes others. In your remaining time, you may find yourself having to choose between studying and socializing. This is where most working students find it difficult to create a balance. Experts suggest that in this case, study time should take a priority equal to time spent in class. This helps you avoid panicking when an assignment is due, and reminds you that your education is the reason for the balancing act. The same experts recommend that students schedule a healthy amount of sleep, as insufficient rest can impact both work and school performance.

Brittany Kuecker is a recent graduate of South Dakota State University, where she earned a bachelor of science with a double major in science and sociology. Brittany Kuecker leads an active lifestyle as a volunteer and lifelong supporter of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary president Armithea “Sissy” Borel is an admitted “windy,” or fan of Gone With the Wind. She recently visited Clayton County, the place that inspired the book and film adaptation. This visit was part of her two-day Georgia tour, which included local siteseeing and a dinner at VFW Post 5080 in Lake City.

The dinner featured Gone With the Wind memorabilia, but the visit represented much more than that. Borel’s brother was injured when the soldier walking in front of him stepped on a landmine. This cost her brother his right leg and part of his face, but the VA hospital saved his life. The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary is part of a concerted effort to support soldiers upon their return and ensure that they receive the support they need in recognition for their service.