The struggles of a student-athlete by Jaelene

The struggles of a student-athlete by Jaelene - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

The struggle of being a student-athlete is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in high school. Balancing academics and sports requires discipline, time management, and the ability to push through exhaustion. As someone who plays competitive tennis while taking AP courses, there were many days when I felt overwhelmed trying to excel in both areas.

Late-night matches were one of the hardest parts. I’d come home physically drained, but I still had homework, essays, and tests to prepare for. Some nights, I’d stay up late trying to finish everything, knowing I had to wake up early for school the next day. Losing sleep made it harder to focus in class, and the constant juggling left me feeling stretched thin.

To manage the struggle, I started organizing my time better. I used a planner to track assignments and broke big projects into smaller tasks I could complete over several days. This helped me stay on top of things without feeling as overwhelmed. I also took advantage of free moments, like bus rides to matches or breaks at school, to get some homework done.

Another thing I learned was the importance of asking for help. When the workload got too intense, I reached out to my teachers for advice or asked for extensions when I genuinely needed them. It wasn’t easy for me to admit I was struggling, but I realized that being honest and seeking support was better than burning out.

While it wasn’t easy, being a student-athlete taught me how to manage my time, prioritize my responsibilities, and stay resilient. It showed me that challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and a willingness to adapt. Even though it was tough, I wouldn’t trade the experience because it helped shape who I am today.