Finding Balance: Navigating Leadership, Wellness, and Life at Georgetown

This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.

Aspen Nguyen (B’27), a McDonough Student Ambassador, is a sophomore studying accounting and finance. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she loves watching Formula 1 races, struggling with The New York Times games, and searching for the best chai in Washington, D.C.

Here, Nguyen shares how she has learned to balance roles and develop leadership skills while making wellness a priority.

It’s a Monday, and I open my Google Calendar to see a packed evening: a McDonough Student Advisory Board (MSAB) meeting, a Georgetown Marketing Association (GMA) project team meeting, a Georgetown Admissions Ambassadors Program (GAAP) general body meeting, and a group project meeting for Ethical Values of Business — all back-to-back. In that moment, I seriously considered adding a “crying session” time block. It’s a lot to manage, and moments like this can feel overwhelming. But despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Being at Georgetown means being part of a community that pushes me to grow and inspires me every day.

This wasn’t always part of the plan, though. Back in my junior year of high school, I didn’t have my college list figured out like some of my peers. I actually came across Georgetown by chance. One day, while casually researching schools, I found myself on Georgetown’s website. A quick scroll turned into hours of falling down a rabbit hole of everything the school had to offer: the rigorous academics; the vivid community; the opportunities in D.C. By the time I stopped exploring, I was already captivated by a school I had never seen. 

That feeling only intensified when I visited campus. Seeing Healy Hall for the first time was surreal, like stepping into the pages of a fairytale. I could already picture myself walking through Red Square during farmers market Wednesdays, becoming a regular at Call Your Mother, and taking in the vibrant campus atmosphere.

Fast forward to today, I’m now deeply involved in the McDonough community. I’m the president of the MSAB and an active member of the GAAP, the GMA, and the McDonough Peer Ambassadors. Each role offers something unique, from guiding prospective students to collaborating on creative marketing projects. Juggling these commitments, along with my coursework, has been challenging — but it has also shaped my understanding of what leadership truly means.

One of the most rewarding experiences this year has been organizing Back to Business Week. This week-long series of events, held at the start of the fall semester, helps first-year and transfer students learn how to get involved with McDonough’s organizations. Seeing students find their communities and passions during these events is a reminder of why I love what I do. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about managing responsibilities; it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive and feel like they belong.

Of course, none of this would be possible without prioritizing balance. I’ll admit that balancing my coursework, leadership roles, and social life hasn’t always come naturally. Some days, it feels like my calendar is actively plotting against me. But I’ve learned that no matter how busy things get, it’s crucial to take care of myself.

For me, wellness isn’t about adding chia seeds to every meal and drinking flavored warm water in the morning. It’s about taking small but meaningful breaks to recharge and remind myself that there is more to life than the constant busyness of Georgetown. That could mean heading to my favorite coffee spots — Blue Bottle, Tatte, or Blank Street — for a cold brew and a quiet moment to reset. Other times, it’s gathering friends for a movie night — a Harry Potter marathon during fall is a non-negotiable tradition. These moments give me the energy I need to tackle everything else on my plate.

My biggest takeaway from this balancing act is that wellness and leadership go hand-in-hand. To my fellow students and those considering Georgetown, my advice is simple (and inspired by the themes of Disney’s Turning Red): find your balance. It’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, especially in a place like Georgetown where everyone seems to be doing something incredible. But the most effective leaders — and the happiest students — are the ones who know when to take a step back. Whether it’s scheduling time for a coffee run, a shopping haul on M Street, or a movie night with friends, prioritize what keeps you grounded.

Georgetown wasn’t part of my original college plan, but it’s become so much more than just a school. It’s where I’ve grown as a leader, a teammate, and a person. The challenges and opportunities I’ve encountered here have taught me how to collaborate, navigate uncertainty, and, most importantly, take care of myself along the way.

And yes, I’ll probably keep cramming way too much into my calendar. But, I know to make time for the things that truly matter — both for my success and my sanity.

-Aspen Nguyen (B’27)