Young and Determined: 5 Tips to Start Walking Towards a Bright Future as a Student Athlete

Student athlete? To many people, that’s the ultimate oxymoron. After all, you’re either a student or an athlete, right? And never the two shall meet. While on campus, if you happen to be an athlete, it often feels like you have a sign on your back that says, “Dumb Jock.”

Many people don’t stop to realize that being in your situation serves two purposes: it helps a student get through school and it polishes a school’s image. It should also be no secret that being an athlete can lead to great things in the future. All it takes is some polish on your game as well as your image. The first is in your hands. The second is the business of Creatitive.

5 Tips for a Bright Future

Focus on the Job

Anyone who believes that it’s no big deal to be in your situation has probably never tried it. This is because it really is a lot of work to balance all the responsibilities. Being a student and an athlete is a continual mix of practice, class, weights, study, eat, sleep, and doing it all again tomorrow. The secret of effectively handling all of this, without losing your mind is balance. Between being a student and being an athlete, it’s a full-time job. Treat it that way by effectively managing time to make sure everything gets its rightful share of attention.

Keep Them Posted

If professors know what you are doing, they will expect that there will be missed classes. However, this does not absolve you of the responsibility to keep them informed about your schedule and make sure that there are arrangements in place to get notes, take tests, turn in assignments, and manage anything else related to studies.

Avoid “Imposter Syndrome”

There will be a time in your college career when you feel like you are considered a big, dumb jock. It’s easy to feel like you don’t fit in when this happens, either because of a lack of confidence or poor treatment by others. This is the time to step out of the comfort zone. Make an honest effort to cultivate friends outside of the regular circle. Explore a new interest with someone else.

Don’t be “That Guy”

There’s always one in the crowd. Everybody knows him, but nobody can stand having him around. He’s the one who causes everyone grief. Instead, go out of your way to be a part of things. Show up on time, regardless of whether it’s for practice, class, or study. Be responsible and reliable from the start. If you are going to be late, let someone know. Because of all this, you will have something more valuable than anything else, a good reputation.

Command Your Brand

Signing in as an athlete will mean that you will stand out from day one of your college career. You are not only the face of your team; you are the face of your college or university. Make that face a good one.

Whatever you do as a college athlete, do your best. One black mark can ruin a career. It’s not about you. It’s about the team and contributing as a teammate. Make your contribution as a teammate a good one.