If you fall into the trend of getting married before your stay at BYU is up, then you'll have to think twice about balancing your new social life with your schoolwork.

Out of BYU's 32,242 day time students, 8,335 students are married.

That equals just about 26 percent of the entire student body, said Janet Rex, information manager, for university communications.

How does this quarter of the students on campus balance their marriage and schoolwork?

Kent Brooks, a religion professor who teaches the Eternal Marriage class, emphasized putting the Lord first to maintain a healthy balance.

"I think putting the Lord first, having clear priorities, and maintaining balance are the keys," said Brooks. "It is also very important that couples make regular time for each other."

Anica Penrod, 22, a senior from Fayetville, N.C., majoring in MFHD, just got married last month. She said she is having a hard time finding a balance, but hopes to be able to implement some strategies soon.

"To find a balance, make sure that after you've given yourself ample amount of time to complete your work, that you have fun," Penrod said. "That will make you more likely to do your assignments if you know you can take a break later."

Ben Felt, 23, a graduate student from Granite Bay, Calif., majoring in information systems management, says that he tries to finish his school work before he goes home, and before the weekend starts.

"Make sure you pay attention to your spouse," Felt said. "President Bateman says for every hour you're in class, you should spend so many hours doing homework. He probably should have added to spend as much time with your wife as you do per hour you're in school."

Jason Hart, 25, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind., majoring in mechanical engineering, agrees with Felt on leaving schoolwork at school.

"I try to get my school stuff done by five every night," Hart said. "It doesn't always work that way, but I try to get a set schedule. One for school and one for home."

Shelly Bassett, 22, a senior from Billings Mont., majoring in information systems, takes GE's with her husband, Kenneth, so they can study together.

"It's kind of nice both being in school, because we can actually study together," Bassett said. "I like it because you have the extra support of a spouse, and someone who's motivating you to study."



Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Feb 2003