College can be challenging. For student-athletes, the pressure of managing both academics and athletics makes it even tougher.
Freshman business major and dancer Aspen Ertugrul talks about how adjusting to the student-athlete schedule can be hard.
“I’m still navigating with trying to balance my school and dance schedule, so it is a little difficult,” Ertugrul said. “I’m getting used to it, but since I am a freshman, my struggles are probably expected.”
Senior women’s basketball player Carleigh Andrews reflects on this being the toughest part of her schedule.
“It can be hard to focus on classwork,” Andrews said. “I’m coming out of practices, which are long and very tiring, and then I have to go to class or do some homework. So, it’s a little difficult.”
Junior dance major Madalyn Hesterlee talked about how her sorority can get in the way of her schedule as well.
“I also have to balance my schedule and work with my sorority,” Hesterlee said. “Being on the executive board has been a challenge for me this semester as well.”
With college life being so tough to stabilize, it is important to find ways to decompress and take breaks at certain times. Ertugrul talks about how she does that.
“I always try to find time to go out with my friends,” said Ertugrul. “If I can’t do that, then I’ll just stay at my dorm and take a small nap to get some rejuvenation.”
When asked if she uses any UMKC resources, Andrews says she uses the phone application called “Teamworks” to help keep her schedule organized.
“It is really helpful because it has my schedule planned out for me,” said Andrews. “It tells me what times are my classes, practices and weight sessions, so it just keeps me updated on how my day is going to look like.”
Hesterlee uses her counselors and professors a lot for guidance. She talks about how helpful they are for keeping her focused.
“My counselor for my dance conservatory helps me with my schedule to make sure I’m not overwhelming myself,” said Hesterlee. “I think my professors are always people I can talk to because they give great advice.”
