By Jessi Clark
It is no secret that stress among college students is at an all-time high when it comes to balancing school, work and athletics. I believe that student-athletes are without a doubt under more stress than regular students.
Student-athletes not only have to focus on getting their school work done, but also being at practices, workouts and games. For most sports, all of these activities are on their agenda. Almost every single sport is year-round, whether that means games, competitions or scheduled workouts.
Non-athletes do not have to worry about the extra stress load. Yes, they may have a job, but it still does not compare to the load student-athletes carry. Non-athletes do not have another part of their brain constantly thinking about a sport, focused on keeping their body in top shape, or waking up at six in the morning to be in a weight room. They only have to be concerned about school and their job (if they have one).
Nevertheless, I understand many people experience high levels of stress on various levels, including people from many different majors. Because Shorter is mostly made up of athletes, other majors such as theater and music can be overlooked. Music major Daniel Farias can attest to the hours spent dedicated to music.
“Most music majors usually have 17 or more credit hours per semester and music education majors have an even busier schedule,” said Farias.
According to Farias, there are required music and individualized training courses for the students’ specific instrument as well as educational classes. For this reason, there is an even higher level of anxiety. Music majors must be dedicated year round.
In my opinion, the stress level of student-atheletes is considerably higher than that of non-athletes. Just like music majors, student-athletes are committed year round. Not only to their sport, but their school work and maybe even their job. Being a student-athlete is inevitably one of the hardest challenges.
