Paige Levan’s life has been all about striking a balance. Completing her psychology degree at Temple while also working full-time made it a requirement.

“Time management is truly key,” said Levan, 27. “Even for a procrastinator like me, there are ways to keep an organized system that is going to help you succeed.”

Levan was a liberal studies major at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) before transferring to Temple University. The transition couldn’t have been easier, she said.

“All of my credits transferred with no problem. The advisors at both campuses were very helpful. Walking in that first day at the Temple advising office, they just made everything so smooth,” she said. “They gave me a really great overview of everything I had already accomplished at MCCC and where I still needed to go with Temple. I liked that clear-cut path that they created for me.”

Levan said she knew while in high school that Temple was always her destination.

“I’ve always loved the culture of Temple. It’s a very diverse school; it’s very inclusive,” she said. “I like the history of Temple, that it started as a campus that was meant to be affordable for people in the area to come and get their degree. Academically, Temple is outstanding — Temple is very good at making students aware of the resources that are available for them. I’ve always been drawn to Temple and what it stands for as a community.”

While focusing on her future and completing her degree, Levan also managed the responsibilities of a full-time job.

“You have to stay focused. You have to stay determined and make sure you keep that end goal in mind,” she said. “Thinking of that end goal makes it easier to keep pushing hard each day.”

Her time at Temple “has been a great experience,” Levan said.

“Every professor that I’ve had has been more than helpful,” she said. “I think they keep in mind that many of us commute and do have other commitments outside of school. They show a lot of understanding and support — little things like that are incredibly helpful.”