Describe a time when you were very busy.

I’d like to talk about the period right before my university final exams last year, around late May. It was probably the most hectic few weeks I’ve ever experienced, and looking back, it feels like a bit of a blur.

The main reason I was so busy is that everything seemed to happen at once. I had four final exams in the same week, a group presentation that counted for a large percentage of my grade, and at the same time I was doing a part-time job in the evenings. On top of that, I was helping organise a small farewell party for one of my closest friends who was leaving the country, so my schedule was absolutely packed.

In practical terms, I had to revise a huge amount of material every day. I drew up a very detailed timetable, hour by hour, to cover all the topics. During the day I’d attend review sessions, do practice papers and refine my part of the group presentation. In the evenings, I’d rush to work, and when I got home late at night, I’d still squeeze in some reading or write quick summaries so I wouldn’t fall behind. It felt like I was constantly juggling competing priorities.

During this busy period, I was torn between feeling stressed and strangely energised. On the one hand, I was exhausted and sometimes a bit overwhelmed, because it felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day. On the other hand, having clear goals and a strict routine gave me a sense of purpose. By the end, when everything was finally over, I felt incredibly relieved and quite proud that I’d managed to stay on top of everything without completely burning out.