Balancing Advanced Placement (AP) classes and high-intensity athletics is no easy task, but there are countless students at OHS who are taking on that challenge. Despite the high pressure on these students, they are learning valuable lifelong lessons, both on the field or court, and in the classroom.
With all the work being a student athlete takes, it is important that they are passionate about what they are doing. Taking pride in their work, whether in their sport or for their classes and the process can help these athletes want to do well.
“Liking learning is really helpful with being an athlete, because I’m division one, so I know I’m nowhere near being my best at my sport yet. Being patient and knowing that there’s still more to learn and it’s still possible,” said Brooklyn Palmer, senior.
Balancing the demands of advanced academics and extracurricular activities can be challenging for high school athletes. If they are able to find the right balance, it can help them succeed in their sport and in the classroom.
“It [AP classes] can impact it [your performance] both positively and negatively. Negatively, because you are spending so much time on these AP classes, but also it can be a positive thing, because it teaches you to be more disciplined, and that can show on the field,” said Ashley Beutler, senior.
There is no right or wrong way to go about being successful in both sports and AP schoolwork. Different people have different techniques; finding the right balance is key.
“I usually manage my time by having AP for Talon Time and for right when I get home from school, and then save the sports for before school,” said Brecken Bellows, sophomore.
Balancing time between one’s sport and schoolwork is an essential part of being successful in both. This is something the students have adapted to as they continue through their high school years.
“It’s a lot easier as a senior because I get off earlier, so I have more time to do homework,” said Breck Middendorf, senior.
Being an athlete in AP classes has its downsides. With both of them taking so much effort and work, it can be hard to keep up and easy to fall behind.
“Getting assignments in on game days and knowing you have a test when you have other commitments, whether it’s practice or lifting or going away [to games can be difficult],” Palmer said.
Although there are negatives to being an athlete in AP classes, there are also many benefits. It can help prepare the athletes for their futures, as well as teach them valuable life lessons.
“It’s taught me a lot about time management, also that you can excel in different areas and you can have good and bad days with both things,” Beutler said.
Having good time management is an essential skill these athletes must acquire if they want to be successful both in and out of the classroom.
“I feel like it [taking AP classes] doesn’t really have much of an effect on my sport. It’s a lot of work, but at the same time, I’m able to manage it pretty well,” Bellows said.
Athletes are always learning, whether it happens in school or during practice, they are constantly pushing themselves to overcome challenges and strive for excellence in all areas.
“It has taught me balance in my life, to make sure I have what I need to do in order, so I don’t overwhelm myself,” said Kiera Simmons, junior.
With the large workload these athletes have, they are bound to make mistakes sometimes, but what is most important is how they handle them.
“Be lenient with yourself, it’s gonna be hard, you’re gonna have hard times, but if you keep doing it and keep trying, you’re gonna succeed,” Beutler said.
