College as a Student-Athlete - Essay Example

This paper would further discuss the life and activities of student-athletes and the areas which are affected by their involvement in sports. Research suggests that athletic involvement negatively influences the academic performance of a student (Kissinger & Miller 2009, p. 202). The time requirements of sports may be a factor that ends up in the underperformance by students in academic field. A non-athlete student may be more focused and able to manage the time commitments of education as compared to a student-athlete who requires to distribute time between both areas i.e. academics and sports.

The reason behind this negative impact on academic results may be translated as poor time management skills, low motivation, high levels of stress and more time and energy utilization on one field over other. Students’ preferences and personal interest also play a vital role in affecting the performance in different fields. If the student prioritizes activities as sports being superior to academic results and participation then his interest and priorities might affect the academic performance.

Studies reveal a declining graduation rate among student-athletes which further illuminates the influence of sports participation on students’ academic performance and results. . They lose hopes to manage the two difficult tasks together. Negative comments and criticism from the coaches, leaders, teachers and fellows may further influence their self-esteem. Lower self-esteem is linked to poor performance in each aspect of life including social, academic, work, sports and daily life. Student-athletes are more likely to make wrong decisions due to increasing stress (Fertman 2009, pp. 30-34). Stress alone is responsible for negative effects on respiratory system.

It weakens the immune system and increase the vulnerability of a person to asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The highly stressful situations in student-athletes’ life may, hence, also affect their health (Fertman 2009, p. 30). Moreover, the high stress is often related to the insufficient time for their personal needs like sleeping, relaxing, socializing and spending time with family. This fact causes a negative impact on their mental development. Time management is one of the biggest and common issues that student-athletes face.

They have more work to be done than non-athlete students, in the same time period available to all other students. Student-athletes are required to manage time between the most important factors of their life i.e. studies and sports. The time limitations do not allow them to participate and involve in both areas as passionately and energetically as non-athlete students do. This does not only restricts their performance excellence but also affects their enthusiasm to achieve high in both areas.

A factor which needs to be discussed here is the financial needs of students who are living on their own. Diversity and globalization