A Game of Balance and Excellence

By Julian Antonio N. Valencia

Student-athlete is a self-explanatory term. They are students who engage in both academics and athletics. Moreover, most would agree that taking upon such a workload would take a toll on them due to the sheer amount of effort and sacrifice they give to balance both, this being especially true for those who join various organizations. However, those student-athletes who continue to excel and manage meetings, homework, training, games, and personal life, continue to pursue this hectic schedule of theirs. Three students were asked the same thing, "In the context of being a student-athlete, why are you still doing what you do despite also being a part of organizations?"

Master Wayne Allen R. Cagatin of the volleyball team is an active member of the Link. He responded: "I didn’t care for sports as a kid, I would even say I heavily avoided it. I thought to myself, ‘Magpapawis lang ako dito, wag na.’ But what I didn't know back then was everything else that a sport can give you, especially when you enjoy playing it. Being a student-athlete gave me a new perspective. It showed me a new world. I had an ‘ah, may gan’to pala’ moment. It gave me something new to be excited about. And it continues to be a thing I look forward to, especially after a day of writing on a yellow pad and listening to lectures. I often catch myself thinking about strategies, I'm immersed in the culture, and watch highlight reels in my spare time. At home, I often practice with my ball (to the expense of some dishes, sorry Lola), and even mimic the hand movements wherever I go. It became a part of me. I would go far as to say if you put me in a character customization screen, I guarantee you volleyball would be there because it is that important to me, and integral in who I am as a person. I don’t see myself getting out of it in the future because I care for the sport now. I love the game, and especially the connections and newfound friends I made along the way. I cannot recommend enough going for something that makes you scared but you think will be fun to try”. 

Master Laris Christian R. Dela Cruz from the football team replied, "Why do I still do what I do? Though it is difficult, and though it may lead to friction with my schedule, football has always held a special place in my heart. Even if this sport is not particularly popular in our country, those who are considered the best at it like Zidane, and Kaka had a certain grace and finesse that I could only wish to emulate and aspire to achieve. With this, having an involvement in other organizations, specifically the Student Government, which I enjoy as well because of how intriguing the inner workings of student-led programs are, is worth the struggle to find time for training and matches”. Master Dela Cruz implies that his love for the sport allows him to pursue it regardless of the sport not being popularized in the Philippines. 

Lastly, Master Alfonso Miguel J. Sonza is a member of the renowned basketball team and the Loop. He responded, “In the context of being a student-athlete, I admit that balancing academics with my extracurricular activities is hard. Every day training till 6 pm along with the traffic and travel time leaves me stuck between prioritizing my sleep and my academics. This causes me a lot of stress and on some days I can’t help but think of giving up. But every time I think of giving up, I just remind myself whether I want the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Which stands for the pain of doing nothing or the pain of doing everything. I am preparing myself for my future career, whatever it may be. I want to be equipped with the right values and attitude and I am doing this through practicing these values now”.