Balancing College And Career Aspirations With Ive J. Jones
One of the most challenging times in a person’s life may occur as a college student. It’s a whole new world for young adults. It may be the first time that they are living away from home. It may be the first time that their academic studies are solely left in their hands. It may also be the first time that they have to live in close quarters with others. It’s amazing yet scary at the same time.
Ive J. Jones is a current college student at Princeton University who is mastering her college life and also her career aspirations. While some may still be in career limbo, she is taking on her dreams full steam ahead. Ive is maintaining her studies while also pursuing a passion for STEM as her profession. She is even facilitating this year’s Young Women in STEM Conference.
While at Princeton she is navigating the world of balance to achieve her aspirations. “College has just been a pretty high impact experience so far. I’ve been able to meet so many students through my work in student government and in other student organizations,” says Ive J. Jones. “Princeton attracts such a diverse background of experiences and perspectives; and I’ve been really challenged by my peers to grow in every aspect. I’m developing a strong sense of who I am as a result,” she continues.
For Ive she has relied heavily on balance and discretion. “I’m able to keep going by giving myself the leniency of deciding how I want to spend my time and who I want to spend it with,” she adds. That notion is key to maintaining a healthy balance when juggling many aspects. Ive is a huge supporter of using self-care as her go to method for maintenance. “Princeton students are very intensely busy people and we are often so entrenched in our study that we do not have time for our basic necessities. I have created balance in my life by choosing to honor my wellness and my body first so that I can give the best possible effort that I can to my other endeavors,” she advises.
Dance is also another aspect that helps Ive to maintain her balance between college and career. “I’ve been dancing since I was two years old. In college dance has really been a form of relief and expression that I access when available,” she continues. “Dance allows me to put my mind to developing a narrative and exploring the human psyche. I find it to be really rewarding to choreograph and see my labor come to fruition as an artform,” Ive adds. She is striving to make sure that her Black Girl Magic will change the world as she guides others to move to a different beat. With each new step, STEM inspiration and motivation; she will do just that! Connect with her online and on social media here.
Writer, C. Scott, is a mompreneur, freelance writer, social worker and educator. Follow her on Instagram as @curls_coils and @beautifulshadeslc.
