Are you learning enough? Are you going to graduate? Do you know what you are going to do after your career as a competitive athlete is over? The people that can help you answer these questions are right there at your disposal. It would be wise, and for your benefit, to develop a relationship with them. These people are your teachers and professors.
I don’t feel like going to class today. I’m not going.
All I need to make on this test is a 70, and I will pass the class.
I don’t need to talk to my teacher because I think I understand. I’m doing okay in the class. Besides, I wouldn’t know what to say.
Unfortunately, those statements were a reflection of my attitude, for a time, while I was in college. I thought that all I needed to do was just graduate with a degree.
Minimal effort was made towards actually learning the material that was being taught. Less effort, if any, was given to having a conversations with any of my instructors.
Just pass the classes. That was my objective.
I lacked discipline in going to class, paying attention while in class, and studying. Those habits that formed as a result of that irresponsible attitude, contributed to me sabotaging my professional career.
After graduation, my search for a job was difficult. Once I found a job, my mediocre college academic performance showed up in my job performance. Which means that I eventually had to learn that which I didn’t learn in college, sometimes on the job, or times after hours.
What I didn’t realize . . .
Your teachers and professors are your guides to a successful professional career. They have the knowledge and resources to help you through the maze of figuring out what kind of opportunities are available for you in the field of study you choose. They can also serve as personal references for you and/or connect you to people that are able to help you.
Teachers and professors will be more inclined to help you if you show an interest in what they are teaching. This can be shown through your class attendance, your class participation, completion of assignments, and by talking to them.
Remember once you are no longer a student athlete, you will have to provide for yourself. Start preparing for that stage of your life. Begin by developing studious habits. Learn as much as you can about your chosen field. Start talking to your teachers and professors about what opportunities exists in your major and how you can take advantage of them.
What do you want to do after graduation? How are you preparing for it?
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Visit my website geralinelhandsome.com (Athlete’s Voice to Integrity) for more information about how to become a super athlete.
About the Author: Geraline L. Handsome has developed a passion to help high school and college athletes of team sports discover their identity. She is a former Women’s Basketball Player for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There she earned a B.S. degree in chemistry/mathematics. She has a MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is an Environmental Scientist and the mother of two. She is also the author of the book Sins of One Woman’s Mind.
Geraline L. Handsome has developed the Creating the Super Athlete Course, a product designed to help parents and coaches help their athletes develop attitudes and character that will enable them to perform better in their sport, in the classroom, and in public.