Student is Before Athlete by Allison

Student is Before Athlete by Allison - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

A student athlete is an individual who officially enrolls as a full-time student and engages in an organized competitive sport. At Ohio County High School I am a senior varsity basketball player who dreams to become a physical therapist. There were times throughout high school where I struggled to maintain good grades, athletics, and a regular teenage social life. As a captain, I help my teammates in every possible way I can. One thing I always noticed with the underclassmen is they struggle to balance the life of a student athlete just as I once did.
My advice to you is to learn you have to prioritize what’s important in your life and for your future. Focus more on the student aspect than the athlete. High school athletics may seem like your way to popularity or your way out of your small town, but I promise the key to success is your education. I once thought sports made me who I am, but as I matured I realized my academics will further me to who I want to become.
My freshman year I was your average scared and clueless newcomer. I was unaware how to study, the countless practices, late night games, and staying up all night to finish homework assignments. Through middle school, my academics weren’t a struggle because I got home at a decent hour after ball games, and I was spoon fed in all my classes. There were rumors of this laborious high school teacher that assigns thirty problems every night and a test a week. A teacher you did not want to have, unless you were dedicated to having no life and focusing only on your studies.
Despite the rumors I enrolled in her class, Honors Algebra 2. The first day of school we were taught a lesson and had homework. Every morning before school she has homework help in her room in case you're lost. There were some mornings I needed help on my homework, but I was a varsity basketball player and I wanted to look cool in front of the so called “big kids,” so I wouldn't go. Instead, I would hang out in the gym and talk or roam the hallways. Needless to say, I failed the homework, and failed the quiz we had over that night's material.
I realized I had to put some effort into my academics if I wanted to be a student-athlete. This also made me come to realize that after I step out on the court for the last time, after I take my last final, after I throw my cap in the air, what am I going to do in the next chapter of my life. High school becomes more than acquiring a diploma or being the popular star-athlete. High school is the road map to your future.
You will always be able to play a pick up game later on in life, but you will never be able to raise the GPA you had while in high school. Sports are a great way to make friends and have fun while in high school, but remember sports are now; your future will be forever. After you throw your graduation cap into the air its time to move on to the next chapter of your life.