Nebraska Wiggins is a junior at UNCG majoring in Music Performance with his primary instrument being clarinet. Nebraska is very involved on campus and always has a busy schedule. He is also one of the most motivated people I know and always seems to have a positive attitude. Because he has been balancing a full schedule academically and socially since freshmen year, I wanted to sit down with him and find out how he keeps everything balanced and continuously stays motivated.
Nebraska is president of Campus Outreach at UNCG; which is a huge responsibility involving a lot of behind-the-scenes work to organize the group. He is also part of intramural sports such as football and basketball. In addition, he is a member of the Wind Ensemble which is the highest level for bands on campus and is part of Chamber Ensemble. He also takes part in swing dancing during his free time. Obviously Nebraska balances a lot.
When asked how he balances all of his academic and extracurricular responsibilities, he replied that he is disciplined with his time. He uses his time throughout the day wisely so that he has time to dedicate to extra-curriculars in the evening. Nebraska uses breaks between classes intelligently and always asks himself “What am I doing to be productive?” whether that means getting homework done or napping to be more alert for the rest of the day, sitting and doing nothing during his free time is not an option for him.
As mentioned, Nebraska is a very motivated person. He attributes this motivation to wanting to steward what he’s been given. He asks himself, how do I use what I’ve been given for the good of others and myself? This includes using his time wisely, valuing college, being a good housemate, and being conscious of how he treats people.
Along the same lines, Nebraska always seems to maintain a positive attitude, which is often difficult to do, especially as an overwhelmed college student. He credits this to an “internal realization” that things could be worse. He stated that he knows he is privileged and his time on earth is a gift which he ought to use well. He added that things can happen that are out of our control, but we shouldn’t let that dictate our emotions.
I also asked Nebraska where he sees himself in 5 years. He replied, if things go his way, he will have graduated with a masters in Music Performance, be married, have a job with an orchestra, teach private music lessons, have an instrument repair shop out of his house, be involved with his local church, bench over 220 pounds, and be able to dunk relatively easily. Nebraska has no plans of slowing down and has a lot of goals for his life.
Finally, I asked Nebraska if he had any advice for someone who is trying to be more involved on campus and continue to balance their responsibilities. He answered, “Don’t go a mile wide and an inch deep, go an inch wide and a mile deep.” He continued to say, be willing to explore and try new things and, whatever your passion, go hard and be disciplined, but do not become consumed.
Nebraska’s positive attitude and motivation may be the secrets to balancing a busy schedule and being happy.