The secret to juggling school, work and family is time management, University of Houston-Victoria student Melody Belvin said.

Melody Belvin

Belvin should know. The Victoria resident is the mother of three girls ages 10, 8 and 3. The biology major is obtaining her secondary teaching certificate while working in UHV’s Information Technology Department.

“Although I am by no means perfect, planning and organization is the key to making it work,” she said. “In school, I try to stay ahead of the game to allow for life’s little mishaps. Also, being flexible is very important with kids. You never know what they may throw at you like a last-minute project or needing a costume made at a moment’s notice.”

Belvin joked that she doesn’t get a lot of sleep, but she’s actually found a way to combine studying and quality time with her children. She includes them in her education, often taking them to the library or to study groups. It’s taught them the benefits of dedication, she said.

“I think that makes them more patient when the focus is not on them at certain moments,” she said. “They realize how much effort it takes to complete college work, and they benefit by seeing that hard work pays off.”

When Belvin returned to school in 2004, she realized quickly that some of her priorities would have to change. She said her house may be a mess, but that’s OK because although the dirty laundry and dishes will be there tomorrow, her children eventually will grow up and leave the home. What matters most is spending time with her children, she said.

“It is important for me to help them with things like their homework and not always volunteer for every little thing,” she said. “I have learned to let some things go to be able to manage my time better.”

Belvin said her flexible schedule as a lab assistant and Help Desk technician in IT allows her to fit work into an already busy schedule. She has worked for IT since April and said she’s found the job rewarding and challenging.

“There have been many times someone has told me I’ve saved their day,” she said. “But there isn’t always a cut-and-dry solution when it comes to computers. Some issues are as individual as the person calling for help. Those require a team effort.”

Belvin will graduate in May and hopes to become a high school science teacher. She has been on the Dean’s List since she enrolled at UHV in 2006, she said.

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler  or call 361-570-4350.