Balancing a stint at Insomnia Cookies, six classes, two clubs and volunteer work seems like a daunting task to most, but for Steinhardt freshman Danuta Egle, this is a typical week. Despite her varied daily schedule, Egle has found an effective way to get everything done.  

Although each day is different for Egle, each week remains relatively constant overall, which allows her to somewhat adhere to a routine. Tuesdays are Egle’s class-heavy days, with consecutive classes from 9:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. After class, Egle tries to relax and eat lunch, and then crams in as much studying and homework as she can before 6 p.m. when she meets with the Swing Dance Club. Right after, Egle rushes over to her Poetry Club meeting, wrapping up at 8 p.m.

Luckily, Egle’s work week does not start until Thursday night, leaving her time on Tuesday evenings to prepare for the following day.

“Thursday night is when I start working,” Egle said. “On Thursday night I start at 8 and I go until close, which is at 3 in the morning, meaning I’ll generally get out at 3:30 a.m. I have, however, gotten out at 4 a.m. before.”

Working at the crowd-favorite Insomnia Cookies on Macdougal Street might not be a dream career for the media, culture and communication major, but it has proven to be a nice placeholder to earn money — and free cookies.

“I love seeing the people that come in,” Egle said. “Even if somebody’s not in a good mood, there’s nothing better than just selling them a little bit of happiness. It’s only $1.60, and you kind of make their day, so I appreciate that.”

Before work on Thursday, Egle has a lighter class load, one at 9:30 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. Having time between the end of her afternoon class and 8 p.m. when work starts, Egle can catch up on any homework or studying she needs to do before her work weekend begins, running from Thursday to Sunday night. Egle’s week ends with the same shift on Sunday, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., but by then she is exhausted.

“I’m a baker, but I also run the cash register occasionally,” Egle said. “And then I close, so I do a lot of different, miscellaneous duties. It gets strenuous, but it’s still fun. I enjoy coming to work even when I have to stand on my feet all day.”

Although Egle’s nocturnal work schedule means that compromise comes into play, surprisingly, Egle manages to enjoy social activities due to Insomnia Cookies’ ideal location on the lively MacDougal Street.

“I actually really thought I would be missing out but thankfully New York stays up later than I do,” Egle said. “On Fridays and Saturdays when I get off at midnight I happen to be in the center of the nightlife on Macdougal street. And since it’s the weekend so there’s still plenty to do. On Thursdays and Sundays I just have to worry about getting enough sleep for the next day’s classes.”

With such a hectic schedule, it’s a wonder how Egle does it all. Despite always being on the hustle, Egle is determined to maintain a busy lifestyle to continue to motivate herself.

“I need a job because I’m on very heavy student loans,” Egle said. “It seems really packed but I’m that kind of person that needs my schedule to be packed otherwise I won’t know what to do with myself. I hope to continue this sort of scheduling for the coming semesters.”

Email Patrick Pauley at [email protected].