Marquise Young, a rising senior advertising major from Camden, NJ (Camden County) shares tips about being a student athlete.
For about 90% of my life I’ve been in school in some kind of way and playing some kind of sports, whether it’s for my school or for a club team. I’ve also been told since I was young that “you are a student-athlete” basically meaning that school comes first and my sports secondary. That makes sense because sports don’t last forever. There is a higher chance that a person will get a job for what they are studying in college, compared to the low percentage of people that make it to the pro level. But in reality being a student-athlete isn’t easy, especially in college! Being a student-athlete in college is a big task. You have no choice but to make sure you maintain school and the sport that you are playing … it’s what you signed up for.
To use myself as an example I’ve played a lot of sports growing up from basketball, football, wrestling and track and field. But the sport that I decided to pursue at the college level is track and field. A lot of people may look at track and field and think or assume that it’s not hard, or not a lot to have on your plate. In reality as a full time student it can be a lot to handle at times. But, me being an experienced student-athlete, I’m going to give some tips on how I balance being a student-athlete and student.
As a student-athlete, balancing my academic responsibilities with my athletic commitments can be a difficult task to juggle. However with the right mindset, dedication and approach I’ve been able to manage both for about 5 years now.
Time Management
First and foremost, time management is key. I’ve learned so many different ways to manage my time throughout different experiences. What I do is try to do my homework weeks ahead of time, which gives me a lot of breathing space for me to either relax or prepare for track practice or even take care of my body by going to the trainers. I also try to visualize my schedule and the amount of time I have to do things which allows me to prepare for the week.
Communication
Communication is another important aspect of balancing my roles as a student-athlete. I communicate regularly with my coaches and professors to ensure that I am meeting all of my obligations and not falling behind in either area. If I know that I will be missing a class or need to turn in an assignment late due to a track meet or practice, I make sure to let my professor know ahead of time and make arrangements to catch up on any missed work, and to let them know I’m going to be away for a track meet.
Self-Care
In addition to managing my time and communicating effectively, I prioritize self-care. Being a student-athlete can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to take care of myself both on and off the track. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and taking breaks when needed. I also try to find a support system, whether it’s friends, family, or my coach to help manage the stress that comes with being a student-athlete.
Positive Attitude
Lastly, I try to maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on my goals. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged when trying to balance so many responsibilities, but I remind myself why I am doing what I am doing. I also tell myself that I know my dad would want me to stick with my sports and education.
In conclusion, being a student-athlete requires a lot of dedication and hard work, but with proper time management, communication, self-care, and a positive attitude, it is possible to balance both roles successfully. It takes discipline and perseverance, but the rewards are well worth it.
Written by: Marquise Young., advertising major from Camden, NJ (Camden County) as a writing assignment for his Introduction in Public Relations course
Feature image courtesy of StockSnap on Pixabay