‘Every week I hop on a 6am flight’ Graduate Student’s Weekly Commute to Class by Airplane

One student’s extraordinary weekly journey takes center stage in an age dominated by remote learning and working. Meet Loafs, a student who brings a unique approach to her education.

She regularly boards an airplane, traveling from New York City to Chicago, all to attend her graduate school classes at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Her remarkable commitment defies the conventional norms of education in the digital age.

The Life of a Super-Commuter

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This exceptional journey is documented in a TikTok video posted on August 21, where Loafs shares her experience of flying to and from Chicago to attend class.

“Every week I hop on a 6am flight,” Loafs says in her video, adding that she uses the flight time to study for her class.

Loafs is part of a growing group of students and workers known as super-commuters. These individuals travel more than an hour and a half or across multiple state lines to get to school or work.

Despite the extensive travel and expense, Loafs explains her decision to commute weekly from New York City to Chicago for graduate school. The class she attends this semester is unavailable remotely, and her job in New York City requires her presence.

Choosing Dreams Over Convenience

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Despite the distance and cost, Loafs’s aspiration drove the decision to enroll at Northwestern. Northwestern was her dream school, and she wanted to maintain her education by choosing a more conveniently located institution.

“Just because I could go to a school in New York,” Loafs says. “To me, even if that was less money, I consider it a waste to go to an institution just because [of where it is located].”

Financial Commitment

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Undoubtedly, being a super-commuter is a significant financial commitment. Loafs acknowledges the expense but manages it by budgeting strictly and paying her flight expenses out of her salary from her job, as she is financially independent.

“I definitely have to budget very strictly to make this happen,” Loafs says. “But again, this was my dream school.”

Understanding Super-Commuters

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A super-commuter regularly travels a significant distance between their home and workplace. This term describes individuals who spend much of their day commuting to and from work.

The extensive travel time is a notable characteristic of a super-computer’s daily routine. This lifestyle may be chosen for various reasons, such as housing affordability, family commitments, or personal preferences for living in a particular area.

Despite the potential benefits, super-commuting can present several challenges, including the physical and mental strain of long-duration travel and the associated time commitment.

Challenges & Considerations

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Super-commuters must navigate the difficulties of their lengthy daily journeys. The extended time spent traveling can contribute to various health and well-being concerns, including increased stress levels, fatigue, and limited personal time.

It’s essential for individuals considering or currently living this lifestyle to weigh the pros and cons. Effective planning and management strategies can mitigate the challenges faced by super-commuters, enhancing their ability to balance the demands of their commute with other aspects of their lives.

Understanding and addressing the potential issues of super-commuting is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and manageable lifestyle.

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Sources

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  1. dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/super-commuter

This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:

@loafs_ Come to class w me! Another weekly commute vlog! #minivlog #commutewithme #supercommuter #commutingbyplane #nyctiktok #chitiktok #student #college #commuterstudent #studentlife #university #gradschool #mba #productivity #collegelife #newyork #businessschool #schoollife #mbacandidate #collegetips #mbatips ♬ original sound – Loafs

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.