Aquarium Visit

I read an interesting article written by Janet A. Lenaghan and Kaushik Sengupta from the Hofstra University entitled, "Role Conflict, Role Balance and Affect: A Model of Well-being of the Working Student."

They wrote, "In the last several years, colleges and universities have been intensely looking at selection and retention issues among students. One of the main concerns in the recruitment and retention of students is the escalating cost of tuition. In order to meet the increasing tuition costs, many students have to be employed in a full-time or part-time job in order to meet the financial needs. This is further prompted by the fact that many parents can no longer support or bear the full financial costs of a college education. In addition, the limited number of scholarships is highly competitive and student loans are not sufficient to cover all the expenses. The result is an increased prevalence of students who are employed during their college careers. As students increasingly engage in paid work, college administrators and educators are concerned that a student’s motivation to engage in schoolwork will wane. The resulting role conflict between school and work can be a source of stress, absenteeism and even turnover."

My sociology teacher defined role conflict as the conflict and burdens one feels because the expectations of one role compete with the expectations of another role. He said that is why we feel such intensity as college students. I have reduced my hours from 35 down to 25 and hope to be able to continue with this schooling. Luckily, during mid-terms, Deseret Industries gave me extra time off ~ but I can't make a habit of that...Just makes me a little more empathetic towards the student employees who worked for me at BYU. Got to admire them!

A fun side note. I was able to take 4 of my kids and 6 of the grandkids to visit the aquarium in Sandy UT. We enjoyed it PLUS I got extra credit for going in my oceanography class. I love being a grandma! Just wish they lived closer...