“Do you actually sleep for 12 hours every day?” my friend Mark asked as we walked to chemistry class. His question wasn’t surprising—I had earned the reputation for always being in bed last year. While my friends were out participating in clubs, I was often tucked away sleeping very peacefully. It wasn’t long before people started associating me with being the person who never left her room. My O-Week mom even called me out as “out of your o-week group, who would die first in the hunger games?” (She chose me and my sleep schedule). Additionally, one of my friends even marked the date on his calendar when he saw me after a month. However, while sleep was important to me, it wasn’t the only thing I did.
Freshman year of college was a combination of new experiences marked by a high-energy need to do everything at once: meet new friends, join clubs, pull all-nighters for exams, and explore a new city. But for me, I had a different rhythm. While others were out late, I was comfortably tucked in bed by a reasonable hour—yes, sometimes for long hours. However, that wasn’t because I was lazy or uninterested in making connections; it was because I knew the importance of rest and, more importantly, balance.
For me, sleep wasn’t just an escape. It was a way to recharge so I could be more effective when I was awake. And that extra energy allowed me to dive deep into projects that mattered to me—especially my new-found passion for marketing.
Many people, including me, assume marketing is all about constant meetings, high-energy brainstorming sessions, and social media marathons. And sure, there’s a lot of that.
However, internships have shown me that marketing also involves strategy, reflection, and intentional decision-making. It’s all about comprehending individuals, patterns, and actions rather than simply going along with the herd.
In the peaceful moments when others believed I was asleep, I dedicated my time to developing my own projects, generating ideas, acquiring new skills, and working on my portfolio. I have always been drawn to the quieter side of marketing – the aspect that allows for data analysis, insights discovery, and the creation of more meaningful strategies.
Many people mistakenly believe that productivity requires constant busyness. However, I find that my productivity often stems from moments of calmness and concentration. Indeed, getting enough rest is crucial for me, as it is what powers my creativity and motivation. Having had a restful night’s sleep, I am prepared to face new challenges.
Although my friends perceived me as someone who constantly slept, they were unaware of the personal projects, marketing case studies, and creative campaigns I was actually working on. Sleep was not about escaping from the world; it was about getting ready to interact with it more deeply, especially as someone who is introverted.
I think it’s an essential lesson, especially in today’s constantly connected society. At times, it is advantageous to pause, refresh, and return to your tasks with revitalized enthusiasm and a fresh perspective. Focusing on the quality and impact of your work is crucial, not just the quantity.
I learned that lesson myself, from my supposedly sleepy first year in college and from my time working with various companies.
In response to Mark’s question, no, I do not sleep for 12 hours each day. However, I do appreciate the importance of taking breaks, as I have come to realize that it is essential for producing high-quality work, whether it be in academic settings, while interning in marketing, or when working on personal creative endeavors.