Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
A junior at Lawrence University majoring in Mathematics and Physics, this student worker manages an impressive array of responsibilities on campus. In addition to his studies, he holds multiple roles as a teaching assistant, tutor, and dishroom worker. He is also actively involved in clubs and organizations such as the LU rock climbing club, the Society of Physics Students, and, when his schedule permits, the sustainability board. These roles, though varied, reflect his dedication to both his academic interests and the broader Lawrence community. As he put it, “I don’t think I do anything this time that I don’t enjoy to some extent,” demonstrating his commitment to balancing enjoyment with productivity.
Typical Daily Schedule:
A typical day for this student begins as early as possible, balancing coursework and club activities. Classes usually start around 10:00 a.m., and the rest of his day is packed with tutoring or teaching sessions, club meetings, and study sessions. Weekdays are often booked until 5:00 p.m. or later, while weekends offer a slightly more flexible schedule, with time for additional meetings and hobbies like rock climbing. He also dedicates time to fitness and climbing as a way to recharge and stay balanced amid his commitments. As he explained, “I usually have to be done with most responsibilities like meetings and stuff by 5:00 p.m. or sometimes as late as 9:30, but I try to keep my weekends more free.”
Skills Gained:
From his various roles, he has developed a host of skills, including time management, leadership, and adaptability. With a tight schedule, he has honed the ability to communicate efficiently and manage tasks effectively. “When you have a schedule that’s somewhat tight, you have to be effective,” he noted, “otherwise things can disappear.” Additionally, he’s picked up problem-solving skills through club activities, whether it’s managing budgets for robotics or planning new events for rock climbing. His involvement in diverse activities has cultivated a broader adaptability that he believes is difficult to track but undeniably valuable.
Balancing Responsibilities:
He balances his responsibilities by choosing roles that align with his personal interests and goals. He emphasized that enjoyment is crucial to sustaining such a busy schedule, and he selects roles he feels passionate about. “A lot of it is about skills I gain from all of them,” he said, “like becoming more adaptable when I don’t have much time.” Whether it’s contributing to sustainability efforts or creating a stronger rock-climbing community, each activity provides personal fulfillment and aligns with his broader aspirations.
Favorite Aspects of His Roles:
When asked what he enjoys most, he highlighted working with people in math and physics, where he can tackle complex problems collaboratively. “I enjoy the problem-solving aspect,” he said, “and working with other scientists to find a solution to something.” In sustainability, he values the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Lawrence community. For rock climbing, he enjoys introducing others to a sport he loves, and as a teaching assistant, he appreciates the reciprocal learning process that teaching affords. Though he does not plan to pursue teaching as a career, he finds that helping others enhances his own understanding. “As a learner, I feel like you learn best when you teach each other,” he explained.
Impact on Lawrence Experience:
He reflected on how his roles have positively impacted his experience at Lawrence by allowing him to meet diverse individuals with unique perspectives. “In general, Lawrence has good people,” he said. “You get to meet a lot of different people who are doing all kinds of things, and it helps you become more open-minded.” He believes that interacting with people from different backgrounds has broadened his understanding and fostered greater open-mindedness, ultimately making him a more adaptable problem solver.
Advice for Other Students:
One insight he shared was his wish to have taken on more responsibilities earlier. “I guess I wish I had taken more responsibilities in my first year,” he reflected. “Doing different things actually gives you a break from other things and lets you come back to them with a fresh mind.” He realized that engaging in various roles could have introduced him to a wider range of skills sooner. His advice to find responsibilities that provide a mental shift during heavy academic work is both practical and insightful.
Future Goals:
Looking ahead, he plans to continue his academic journey in graduate school, possibly studying abroad and exploring internship opportunities in other countries. For his club involvements, he’s working to build a foundation for younger students to lead in future years. “The next steps for the clubs is finding younger people to take over,” he explained. Career-wise, he hopes to deepen his knowledge of mathematics and science, setting his sights on a meaningful and impactful career.
Reflection
My recent conversation with a student worker and active campus leader at Lawrence University provided a unique perspective on balancing academic pursuits with a multitude of extracurricular roles. As someone also deeply involved in various clubs and responsibilities, I found his approach to balancing work, academics, and personal interests insightful and motivating. One of the most impactful aspects of our conversation was his focus on aligning his responsibilities with his passions and goals. “I don’t think I do anything this time that I don’t enjoy to some extent,” he said, confirming the importance of selecting commitments that bring personal enjoyment and professional growth. Hearing about his experience reminded me to evaluate my own commitments, ensuring they align with my interests and long-term goals rather than simply filling time.
Another highlight was his adaptability and effective time management. His ability to manage a rigorous schedule, including tutoring, working in the dining hall, and leading club activities, impressed me and reinforced the value of developing these skills. “When you have a schedule that’s somewhat tight, you have to be effective,” he shared, underscoring the importance of efficient time use. His approach to managing multiple roles has inspired me to be more deliberate in tracking and improving my adaptability and efficiency. Additionally, his reflections on his role as a teaching assistant and tutor resonated with my own experiences. His emphasis on the reciprocal benefits of teaching, where explaining concepts helps reinforce one’s own understanding, reminded me of similar moments in my academic journey. As he explained, “I feel like you learn best when you teach each other.” This encouraged me to continue exploring this role as both a teacher and a student.
One aspect of his advice that struck me was his wish to have taken on more responsibilities sooner. “Doing different things actually gives you a break from other things and lets you come back to them with a fresh mind,” he noted. Engaging in multiple activities, he explained, can often bring new perspectives to problem-solving. His suggestion to find responsibilities that break up academic work was also insightful and practical. Looking toward the future, his goals for graduate school and studying abroad opened my eyes to broader possibilities beyond undergraduate studies. His plans to pass on leadership within his clubs remind me that current involvement has a meaningful impact on future students. I feel encouraged to consider how I, too, can support the next generation within my own organizations.
In sum, this conversation reinforced the importance of aligning my roles with personal goals, embracing adaptability, and considering the impact of current actions on future students. His journey as a student worker and active campus leader exemplifies resilience, curiosity, and dedication to meaningful involvement. His experiences and advice left me feeling both motivated and better equipped to approach my responsibilities with intentionality and enthusiasm.
Dennis Boakye ’26 is a rising junior with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics. He is also a co-president of the Neurolawrence Club and the Synthetic Biology Club and the treasurer for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA, Lawrence Chapter) and the Black Student Union (BSU). Dennis is the current career peer educator for the Health and Medicinal Professions (HMP) and the Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities at Lawrence University. Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn.