In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, the search for balance has become almost an art form. How can one avoid drowning in a stream of deadlines and projects while still remembering what truly matters—oneself, family, friends, and the simple opportunity to pause and breathe? How can ambitious career or academic goals be combined with a fulfilling life beyond the office or classroom? A group of journalism students has joined us to discuss the eternal challenge of balancing intense work or study with essential rest. Darya Skvortsova, a third-year student in the International Journalism program, and Darya Gorskina, a first-year student specializing in journalism, are conducting the interview.
Students Near Future
Dasha Skvartsova: Hello everyone! For many students, exam season is a stressful time, and many of us go home to unwind. Why is this kind of rest, spending time with family, the most important for you right now. What does it give you?
Dana Gadas: This weekend I’m going home to Lepel. I really want to rest my soul and spend time with my loved ones. I’ve missed my brothers. So we are walking, chatting, cooking something delicious, and simply enjoying being together. I’m sure there will be lots of laughter and fun moments. This time is all about closeness, comfort, and love; it energizes me.
Dasha Skvartsova: Could you elaborate on your brothers? How would you characterize your relationship with them?
Dana Gadas: I have biological brothers, and we share a strong bond. We support each other, have fun together, and always enjoy spending time as a family.
Dasha Gorskina: Thank you, Dana! Your perspective is remarkably refreshing. However, I am curious as to why you have chosen to fully dedicate yourself to your studies at this moment.
Dasha Shishko: Weekends are for relaxation, but this is not for everyone and certainly not for me. This upcoming weekend, I intend to immerse myself even deeper into my academic pursuits, as the summer session is imminent.
Dasha Skvartsova: Interesting approach, Dasha! How do you manage to balance different activities and find the strength to recover after intense workloads?
Kamran Nabiev: This weekend, I’ll make up for missed PE classes at BSU’s Faculty of Journalism, push through the required standards, and earn my credit. After intense training, I’ll take time to rest, recover, and hopefully enjoy a good book or movie. My objective is to conclude any outstanding tasks and commence the new week with a renewed sense of vigor.
Dasha Skvartsova: What kind of movie do you usually choose for a Saturday evening—an exciting blockbuster or a cozy romantic film?
Kamran Nabiev: I usually go for a thrilling blockbuster, but sometimes a cozy romantic film is just what I need!
Dasha Gorskina: What does «proper rest» mean to you before a busy week?
Sasha Fedoniuk: I plan to actively prepare for the session, because passing the exam successfully is a very important thing in student’s life. Additionally, I believe that adequate rest and personal development hold equal importance. With the arrival of warmer weather, I feel an innate urge to dedicate more time to self-care and to embrace the outdoors.
Dasha Skvartsova: You are absolutely correct—finding balance is paramount! What makes it crucial to commence exam preparation ahead of time?
Vasilina Kozlova: Students scarcely have a moment to breathe before confronting a new academic session. Regarding my weekend agenda, it is intricately tied to my preparations for the upcoming exams, as attaining high scores is of utmost importance to me. I aim to initiate my studies early to alleviate future pressures.
Dasha Gorskina: Per aspera ad astra! Why are structure and planning so important? In what ways do they facilitate the management of academic responsibilities in the lead-up to exams?
Ulyana Kukhareva: On the weekend, I plan to focus on preparing for the session and revising all the important topics on different subjects. I want to make a plan for the next week in order to effectively allocate time for study and rest, which I believe will significantly enhance my preparation for the exams.
Dasha Skvartsova: Hmm, right! How can one set priorities correctly for themselves?
Darya Zakabluk: This weekend, my emphasis will be on exam preparation. Saturday starts with a detailed study plan, followed by tackling the toughest topics, taking notes, and reviewing lecture materials. Sunday will be for reviewing tickets and self-testing. If time allows, I’ll unwind with a walk or a movie—maintaining a confident mindset is essential!
Dasha Gorskina: I see what you mean! What strategies do you employ to maximize your weekend, ensuring an adequate blend of relaxation and productive activities?
Hao Binru: On Saturday morning, I’ll finish my homework first. Then, I’ll help my friend with household chores. In the afternoon, we will go to the park for a picnic. We’ll eat sandwiches and play games. As the day transitions to evening, I look forward to watching my favorite film with friends. Sunday promises to be equally enjoyable, as I will ride my bike with friends in the morning. Following lunch, I will devote time to reading a book and practicing my English skills, concluding the day with a video call to connect with my cousin.
Dasha Gorskina: Nice! How do you balance rest and activity?
Hu Xueyan: This weekend, I’m balancing relaxation and productivity. Saturday starts with a cozy breakfast and book, followed by a picnic and outdoor games with friends—maybe even a short hike. Sunday is for chores and hobbies—cleaning, laundry, and painting a landscape I hope to finish. The evening will be for unwinding with a movie or music. A fulfilling and refreshing weekend ahead!
Dasha Skvartsova: That sounds quite appealing! Is it significant for you to ensure that your weekends are both fulfilling and comforting?
Yang Shihe: I plan to relax on the weekend. On Saturday morning, I will read a novel that interests me and immerse myself in the wonderful plot. In the afternoon, I will go to the park with friends to take a walk and feel the spring breeze and the fragrance of flowers. On Sunday morning, I will learn to cook new dishes and try to make delicious cakes. In the afternoon, I will tidy up my room at home and prepare for the study life next week.
Students Distant Future
Dasha Skvartsova: How do you see the development of your professional career in the years ahead?
Jia Zhuoqun: As a journalism student at Belarus State University, I’m eager to explore media and build a meaningful career. My goal is to become an international journalist or documentary filmmaker, telling stories that bridge cultures and give voice to the underrepresented. In the short term, I’m mastering key journalism skills and gaining experience through internships. Learning languages like English and Spanish will help me connect globally. Long-term, I hope to work for outlets like BBC or Al Jazeera, covering human rights, environmental crises, and post-Soviet transformations. I also dream of making documentaries that spark dialogue and inspire change. For me, journalism is more than a career—it’s a responsibility to truth and humanity. Through dedication, I aim to foster understanding and empower communities.
Dasha Gorskina: Foreign languages open up new opportunities, helping to better understand the culture and way of thinking of other nations. Why are you attracted by Russian language?
Yang Shihe: I love Russian language, reading texts, sharing stories, and discovering a new world through the language. Its unique pronunciation and rich literature captivated me, and I hope to pass that passion on!
Dasha Skvartsova: What steps do you consider most important for achieving your long-term career goals?
Hu Xueyan: As a student, I strive for strong grades and practical skills to build a meaningful career. Hard work could lead to studying abroad or graduate school. Beyond academics, I want to explore hobbies, travel, and connect with cultures. Long-term, I dream of entrepreneurship or writing, staying resilient through challenges and embracing opportunities. The future is uncertain but full of potential!
Dasha Gorskina: In your opinion, how can modern technological advancements and environmental initiatives shape society’s future?
Cheng Yixuan: The future is an unwritten book, shaped by today’s choices. With 90% of countries prioritizing STEM education, lifelong learning is key. Regulations will determine whether machines empower or control humanity. While some fly to Mars, others struggle for clean water—fairness must guide progress. Investing in green technology could accelerate carbon neutrality. The future of humanity is deeply linked to the planet’s health. WHO predicts 70% of future jobs haven’t been invented yet.
Dasha Skvartsova: Can you climb your ladder with your hands in your pockets?
Tian Chengku: I plan to complete my educational pursuits first, and then travel the world and experience different cultures is one of my biggest dreams. I also want to start my own business and create something meaningful. Balancing a successful career with a happy personal life is one of my key goals. No matter what challenges come my way, I will keep working hard to achieve my dreams as you can’t climb the ladder with your hands in your pockets.
Dasha Gorskina: What brings you a profound sense of joy?
Zhang Weikun: The depth and richness of Chinese history is incredibly fascinating. When I reflect upon it, I am filled with excitement and wonder. Learning history not only enriches our knowledge but also equips us with valuable insights for navigating daily life.
Dasha Skvartsova: How significant is family to you?
Wu Sheng Xiang: In the future, I want a career I love! So I will keep learning new skills, travel, and meet people from different cultures. Staying healthy and spending time with family matter to me. I also hope to help others through volunteering. One day, I’ll save for a small house. No matter the challenges, I’ll stay positive and keep moving forward—my future is full of hope.
Life credo
Dasha Gorskina: So much advice revolves around the idea of life balance. Everyone seems to strive for that perfect point where career, family, and personal growth are evenly distributed. However, what do you consider to be your personal key to success?
Aleksandra Fedorniuk: In my opinion, balance is the key to happiness: regularly evaluate your priorities and make time for all areas of your life to maintain harmony in your career, family and personal fulfillment.
Dasha Skvartsova: Thinking about it, you realize that balance is not a static picture where all areas of life are perfectly equal on the scales. It’s more like a rhythm—like breathing: inhale, a deep dive into one thing; exhale, a shift to another. Sometimes the inhale is long and deep (career, project), sometimes short and frequent (family, rest). The key is not to keep the scales from tipping but to stay steady, feeling their movement and shifting weight in time.
Daria Skvartsova, a third-year student, international journalism department
Darya Gorskina, a first-year student specializing in journalism
Angelina Voitova, a third-year student, international journalism department, a junior designer
Proofreaders group: Daria Zobnina, trainee teacher, International journalism department
This amazing material inspiers me to reflect on my own routine and find the strength to achieve my goal while still enjoying simple joys. Thanks to the author for their article!
I really like how easy and relaxed the conversation about life and future was with the students of the Faculty of Journalism at BSU during this report. It felt like an genuine conversation rather than an interview.
Thank you so much Daria Skvartsova and Dasha Gorskina for creating such a peaceful and cozy post!
I like the enthusiasm of the students in this article. I’m not that productive. I prefer to work on Saturday and relax at home on Sunday. I like how Hu Xueyan spends her weekends, but I don’t really understand Darya Zakabluk’s schedule. She not only studies on weekdays, she also devotes weekends to preparing for exams. I think that at least 1 day off should be devoted to rest.
This is an amazing article! I really like it. I am one of your target audience because I am interested in mastering English. What is more I want to delve deeper into the philosophy of this article: how to manage everything and navigate time. Thank you for this opportunity, Daria Skvortsova and Darya Gorskina!
The article is really usefull! Many people write good advice. It is quite interesting to read how people combine their personal lives and studies. I’ll take it into consideration. Thank you to Daria Skvortsova and Daria Gorskina for this wonderful article!!!
Great article! I read it with great interest and these tips were very helpful! I highly recommend them.I hope this article will also help other students.Thank you so much Daria Skvartsova and Dasha Gorskina for this article.
What an in deep article! it emphasizes the need for a conscious approach to time management and shows the importance of finding moments to recharge emotionally amid the hectic pace of student life. Thank you, Daria Skvortsova and Daria Gorskina for such an interesting article that inspires me to learn English.
I liked Vasilina Kozlova’s opinion because she is preparing for exams and wants to achive high results, which is very commendable. I agree that it is better to start preparing for exams now so that there will be less stress in the future. However, I believe that it is possible to combine rest and preparation for exams, as rest is also necessary.
Personally, I am also planning to visit Lepel during the long weekend, as my grandmother, sister, uncle, and brother live there, and I have many friends there.
Like Jia Zhuoqun, I also want to explore the media industry and built a career in it.
I agree with Yang Shishe’s opinion, because I also want to improve my foreign language, and that’s English opens doors to a new world.
Dasha Gorskona and Daria Skvartsova are great interviewers, and this article is very good and insightful. I found myself in some of the students, and I really enjoyed it!
I liked Vasilina Kozlova’s opinion because she is preparing for exams and wants to achive high results, which is very commendable. I agree that it is better to start preparing for exams now so that there will be less stress in the future. However, I believe that it is possible to combine rest and preparation for exams, as rest is also necessary.
Personally, I am also planning to visit Lepel during the long weekend, as my grandmother, sister, uncle, and brother live there, and I have many friends there.
Like Jia Zhuoqun, I also want to explore the media industry and built a career in it.
I agree with Yang Shishe’s opinion, because I also want to improve my foreign language, and that’s English opens doors to a new world.
Dasha Gorskona and Daria Skvartsova are great interviewers, and this article is very good and insightful. I found myself in some of the students, and I really enjoyed it!