Welcome back! This week, I’m excited to share a behind-the-scenes look into my life as a rugby player, student, and content specialist. Balancing these commitments can be challenging, but with the flexibility Portobello Institute provides, it all becomes possible.
Monday to Friday: Gym, Work, Rugby and Studies.
Each weekday starts bright and early at 7 am. I head out for a 5k walk with my dog, which not only helps me wake up but also gives me a moment of calm before the day kicks off. After our walk, I head straight to the gym for about an hour and 15 minutes. Having a gym close to the office is a game-changer; it allows me to maintain a consistent routine that energises me for the day ahead.
Then, I’m ready to start my workday as a content specialist at the digital marketing agency, working from 11 am until 4 pm. My role involves a mix of content creation, client fulfilment, and digital campaign management, so it keeps me on my toes. Having this structured schedule – with my workout and walk before work – really helps me stay focused and engaged in my job.
I use a scheduling app to keep me accountable daily. I thrive on this kind of structure; it gives me the balance and flexibility I need to juggle my responsibilities effectively. Having a set time for everything I have going on throughout the day really helps me stay organised and prepared, without it I don't think I’d be half as productive!
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my day doesn’t end at 4 pm. I go straight from work to Dublin for training with Railway Union RFC from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Rugby training is one of the best parts of my week. It’s intense and physically demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. These sessions keep me sharp, both mentally and physically, and they bring a different kind of energy to my routine.
On non-training days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), I head home after work to focus on college assignments and lectures. This dedicated time allows me to keep up with my coursework, whether I’m reviewing notes, watching lectures, or starting on assignments. With Portobello’s blended learning approach, I can fit my studies around my schedule. I make it a priority to set aside at least an hour and a half each evening to stay on top of my coursework.
Then the rest of my evening would be spent editing my content for the week (for instagram and tiktok), cleaning my room, washing my clothes and gear, and packing my bag for the next day. I also have to fit in another walk with my dog, so I use this time to listen to a podcast given by my lecturer and hit my 10,000 steps! (a daily goal of mine).
Coaching
Recently, I’ve added coaching to my weekly routine, working with the Tullamore U16s girls’ rugby team when I can. Coaching has been an incredible experience and a great complement to my studies. It’s allowed me to gain confidence in practical skills, and applying what I’m learning in class to real-life scenarios helps reinforce my knowledge. For example, I use techniques and strategies from my lectures to guide these young players, which helps me prepare for my own practical sessions with Portobello Institute.
Saturday Lectures and Rugby Matches
Saturdays are a packed day for me, balancing lectures and matches. My day starts with lectures from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, followed by a break before a second session from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. However, if I have a rugby match scheduled for Saturday afternoon, I may need to miss the second lecture. The flexibility Portobello offers is crucial here, as I can watch the recorded lectures later, allowing me to keep up with any material I might miss.
Our class WhatsApp group has been a huge support as well. We share questions, updates, and assignment deadlines, which helps all of us stay on track. If someone misses a session or needs clarification, they can just ask in the group, and we all help each other out. Having that level of support and communication makes balancing everything much more manageable and keeps everyone motivated.
Sundays: Rest, Reset, and Catch-Up
Sundays are my reset day. It’s my chance to catch up on any lectures I missed, review assignments, and plan my schedule for the upcoming week. I use this day to recharge, both mentally and physically. With all my activities during the week, having a day dedicated to rest and preparation is essential. I also use this day to meet up with friends, if I can, spend time with family and do my food shop for the week. Sundays give me a chance to reflect on what I’ve achieved, get organised, and prepare for another full week ahead.
The Key to Balance: Portobello’s Flexible Learning
Balancing the demands of a sports career and my studies isn’t easy, but Portobello Institute’s flexible learning structure makes it all possible. Having the ability to access lectures on my own time, along with the support from my classmates and tutors, is invaluable. It allows me to stay fully engaged in my studies without missing out on my rugby commitments.
My weekly routine is built on structure and planning, but it’s the adaptability that Portobello provides which really makes everything work. With the right tools and support, I’m able to pursue my academic and athletic dreams without having to choose between them.
Looking Ahead: Starting Placement in a Secondary School
Next week, I’ll be starting my placement in a secondary school, shadowing a PE teacher for two weeks. It’s going to be an intense period, requiring a lot more scheduling, planning, and organising to keep everything running smoothly. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and to seeing how I can apply my learning in a real-world teaching environment.
Thanks for joining me for a week in my life! Until next time!
