As the semester begins , many Simpson Students are challenged with balancing full course loads, athletics, social lives and jobs. For student-athletes especially, balancing academics and athletics can be demanding; however, with some organization, healthy habits and strong support systems, they can stay on track to success.
For sophomore psychology major and basketball player Ava Levings, maintaining balance starts with structure.
“A typical week in my life is full of classes, practices, games and clubs,” Levings said. “It’s usually a whirlwind going from one place to another.”
In addition to games and practices, Levings serves as a teaching assistant for statistical methods and participates in campus organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She uses gaps between classes to get homework done, often going to the library before practice.
Despite her busy schedule, Levings earned a spot on the President’s list last spring, an achievement requiring consistency and discipline. This semester, staying academically successful means staying consistent and being intentional with her time.
“Time management is huge,” she said. “You can’t have a good grasp of the content unless you put in the work to study it.
While her schedule can be overwhelming at times, Levings has a close group of friends who make the semester more manageable. She notes how some of her teammates are her best friends, and she takes advantage of weekends to spend quality time with them.
Brennan Voss, a junior gymnast, believed balancing academics and athletics requires intentional planning. He has a rigorous schedule with classes, being a teaching assistant and conducting independent research.
Practicing three hours a day, six days a week and competing on Fridays and Saturdays, Voss is creative about when to complete his work.
“I’m usually really tired after practice, so I try to block out time during the day to get work done,” he said.
Like Levings, Voss was also named to the President’s list last semester. To stay focused, Voss said he leaves his phone in another room while working, and periodically takes short breaks. He also spends time with teammates and friends while studying.
“Even if you’re not talking, it’s nice to be around friends,” he said.
Although their schedules and commitments may differ, both students share the same belief: balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly, but learning when to prioritize and when to step back.
“Sometimes that means skipping a reading or turning something in late,” Voss said. “But keeping my sanity helps me in the long run.”
Levings added, “I love everything I’m involved in, so it can be hard not to overstretch myself,” she said. “I try to prioritize things that help me stay relaxed, because you can’t balance everything as well when you’re overwhelmed.”
Both students have advice for students struggling to find balance. Levings advised learning to be grounded.
“To be present, you have to be where your feet are,” she said.
Voss added, “It’s important to decide what’s essential and what isn’t.”
As the semester progresses, students like Levingsand Voss must continue to find balance in their busy schedules through consistency, support systems and knowing when to slow down.
