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University of New Haven master’s candidate Brett Harrell ’27 M.A. balances his role in Residential Life, two internships focused on youth support and substance-misuse prevention, and graduate studies in community psychology while also making some time for himself.

With meetings, classes, internships, and responsibilities on campus, it can be difficult to find time to catch a breather, as it can sometimes feel like another task on the already full to-do list. For Brett Harrell '27 M.A., a graduate student from Willington, Connecticut, studying community psychology, and the Area Coordinator for Forest Hills here at the University of New Haven, balancing multiple responsibilities has become the new norm for him.

When he joined the University in 2023, he worked in several residential communities, starting in Celentano Hall before overseeing Westside Hall and Dunham Hall for two years. He became the Area Coordinator for Forest Hills last fall. However, his work in Residential Life is not the only part of his schedule, as he manages graduate studies and two internships.

When reflecting on his journey, Brett shared, "I started working in higher education as soon as I completed my undergraduate degree, though I do not plan to stay in higher education forever. It isn't what I'm studying for in school. But it is a great area for me as a community psychology student as I love being around others and learning about how people function either alone, or in society."

'Community building is crucial'

Brett currently has two internships in addition to his responsibilities at the University of New Haven. Through the Dean of Students Office, he works with the , which is a state-funded program that focuses on preventing opioid misuse, and it promotes healthy college campus environments.

His other internship is with Naugatuck Youth Services, where his responsibilities include mentoring young people, overseeing cases that are referred by the town police, offering diversion programs based on the arrest cases, and serving on a hearing board for the program. This program aims to help young people who are looking to stop using alcohol and drugs, or engaging in other unhealthy behaviors.

Brett explained what inspired him to pursue this line of work saying, "Growing up in a single-family household around mental-health issues and substance use, I really see juvenile involvement as my passion and understand that intervention and prevention for them is critical. Being a support for youth at risk is something I currently do within my internship and is a major motivator in my studies."

His interest in supporting others also connects with the work he does in Residential Life. "The experiences within my Residential Life role have complemented my internship on a multitude of levels, but the biggest aspect for me really is the connection within our community," Brett explained. "Having the skillset and understanding that community building is crucial to the mental wellbeing of those within the community. This has helped me understand the needs of those around me better."

'It really is wild how many reminders I set myself'

With so many responsibilities, staying organized is important. Brett explained that his Residential Life role takes priority, followed by his classes and internships. His typical responsibilities include attending weekly meetings with Resident Assistants (RAs) and fellow professional staff, conduct meetings, divisional trainings, and campus events that he regularly tries to attend to show his support.

After his Residential Life hours, which run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., he heads to his Naugatuck internship for about ten hours a week, sometimes working on the weekends. His University internship also involves meetings and tasks throughout the workweek.

To keep everything in order, Brett is, "always adding to my calendar or a reminders list. It really is wild how many reminders I set myself and how much is on my two calendars." He also tries to finish any major tasks first and complete long projects two weeks in advance, which gives him time to review his work or prepare for any unexpected changes. Communication is also an important part of his approach, as he makes sure that he discusses any potential challenges and needs with his supervisors.

It's typically known that even when someone plans carefully, balancing everything does not always come easily. When asked about the most challenging part of managing his responsibilities, Brett said, "The most challenging thing for me truly is finding time for myself. I say this because I really do put my all into each thing I do and put every effort I have into them as well. Coming home late after internships to then focus on schoolwork can be a lot."

'Enjoy the little moments of silence'

Brett's Residential Life responsibilities can also take up some of his personal time, especially when he is on call. Despite these commitments, he has found ways to manage when everything starts to feel overwhelming.

He enjoys writing about his thoughts and feelings. "I'm not one to follow guided journaling," he said. "I let my thoughts and feelings out on the paper how it's needed." He also finds comfort in spending time with his three cats and a dog after a long day.

Through his experiences, Brett has learned that working hard also means recognizing when to slow down. "I have learned to enjoy the times I have for myself and the little moments of silence more than anything," he said. He has also started to recognize the importance of setting limits rather than overworking himself.

For the students who are trying to balance classes, jobs, internships, and their personal lives, Brett encourages them to understand their limits and to enjoy themselves. "Enjoy your time in college, it really is a short time to find new things to have fun and enjoy before you work full time." He also recommends finding hobbies and places to visit that make it easier to spend time on yourself.

Whether it is the students and staff at the University, the young people he mentors, or the families he helps connect to resources, these relationships encourage Brett to continue working toward his goals. At the same time, he tries to disconnect from work when his day ends so that he can focus on his next responsibility while allowing himself time to recharge.

When asked about a quote that helps him to stay motivated, Brett shared, "Imagine looking back one day and realizing you were brave enough to chase the life you truly wanted, and it worked."

His experience serves as a reminder that balancing multiple responsibilities is not just about having a busy schedule. It is also about knowing your priorities, recognizing your limits, and making time for the things that help keep you going.