Being an athlete comes with many perks. You get the opportunity to play and showcase your skills, popularity and even the gear that comes with being on the team. However, having all of these perks can come with negatives. Being an athlete at your school could feel like a part-time job, as you give up most of your childhood for your dream.
While facing several life challenges, student-athletes also have to face the challenges of seven school hours and an additional 2-3 hours of practice afterward. This ultimately gives them approximately 6 p.m. through the rest of the night to eat, do homework, shower and engage in other activities before they get ready for bed and the next day.
This strict scheduling doesn’t leave much room for hanging out with family and friends, or even a job, which is crucial for a kid in school. Your “job” is essentially to make sure your grades are good and that you’re practicing well so you can perform in the games.
When asked about how they navigate through these challenges, senior Kameron Jones said, “I see track and school more as a commitment. I don’t see it all as a job. Sure, school takes a lot of energy and can feel like a job, so I can see the point of that. But if dedicated enough, it’s just a mental thing.”
An average teen’s life, including sports and having a job, is quite busy. The emotional and physical toll it takes on a teen is huge.
This affects the upperclassmen more than the underclassmen, as they’re closer to being the next adults of the world. Juniors, while having another year to figure things out, have the future to think about, and around this time, they want money and to have their fun. On the other hand, seniors have prom, senior trips and other activities to deal with on top of being student-athletes.
Senior Isabelle Norder confided, “Yes, being a student-athlete while also having a job is stressful because it causes burnout. After school and dance, It’s hard to find time to get homework done, and when you do have the time, you’re probably tired and don’t have the energy for it. You also don’t have much time for your social life.”
Being a student athlete takes discipline, sacrifice and resilience. While it comes with unforgettable memories and exciting times, it also demands long hours and mental challenges. The pressure could be hard when you’re balancing school, sports and a personal life all at once. These challenges help shape student-athletes into hard-working and determined individuals. In the end, the lessons learned through balancing these responsibilities often prepare them not just for the next game, but for life beyond high school.
