Being a first year at McGill, I know how it is to be swamped with work and to be constantly juggling it against my social life and my sleeping schedule. Jana Jaradat is a First year at McGill University. She is involved in many clubs and organizations around campus, and is on top of her classes and workload. I interviewed her to find out how a first year McGill student can be involved in so many things at once.
Jana is the Vice President of events for Habitat for Humanity, she is the logistical coordinator for Amnesty International, she’s involved in UNICEF at McGill, and is also part of the Kappa Kappa Sorority.
Q: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from and what is your major?
A: My name is Jana, I am originally from Jordan but I grew up mostly in Dubai. I went to an international boarding school in New Mexico. I’m doing a double major in English and Psychology, and a minor that is to be determined.
Q: What do you love the most about being a part of so many things?
A: I think the thing that I love most about being involved is that it makes me feel like I am making the most of my time here in McGill because it is such an open and international community and there are so many opportunities for me to get involved.
Q: How did you find out about these organizations
A: The activities fair is where I made most of my connections and I was able to get involved. Other than that I say just show up to the events in order to talk to the presidents and to make a good impression.
Q: How do you find the time to balance all these clubs?
A: For the most part, all the clubs are scheduled on different days, so they don’t really overlap. Other than that, I try to make time to study and hang out with my friends.
Q: How are you able to stay on top of your work?
A: I try to plan in advance. I schedule my time really well. If I know I’m going to have a rough week with my clubs, I’ll make sure that I don’t go out and that I spend my time working instead.
Q: what are your short term goals for the future?
A: I would like to not only stay on top of my work and maintain my grades, but I also want to make sure that I am more involved, but not make myself so spread out so I lose my focus.