As we have been split into three different schools over the past years, the entire student body has yet to hear Mr. Musaeus’ spiel to the freshman class. Because it applies to everyone, I feel it is necessary to reiterate the message conveyed in this lesson, and it’s simple: get involved. Can you handle that? Joining a sport (or club, activity, etc.) is always intimidating at first. Even if you aren’t competitive, sports provide several advantages. Getting involved can lessen your insecurities. It also opens the door to new relationships, broadening your social life. Out of the many benefits the most important would have to be the cyclic relationship developed between academics and athletics. When the student is an athlete they become a better student. When the athlete is a student they become a better athlete. In the classroom or out in the act, this connection is evident to most. Because the student is passionate about their sport, they maintain their studies to continue playing. And when the athlete is focused on schoolwork they have a stronger grip on balancing the act, allowing a stronger focus in the sport as well. But—there’s just one but—when this cycle is altered in any way it can create havoc and chaos in the student-athlete’s life. For instance, let’s say the athlete is getting heavily involved in their sport. They practice every day, and the travel home is exhausting so the athlete falls behind and soon enough their grade takes a tumble. So what’s their punishment? Ineligibility. The student-athlete, who once had a working balanced cycle, now has neither pleasant grades nor a sport to relieve stress or turn to. In order to stop this from happening, the student-athlete needs a support system. So, parents, teachers, and coaches listen up as well. Just because we are motivated to go out for a sport or do well in our classes doesn’t mean we don’t need a little kick every now and then. We’re not asking for relief or grace out of pity, just a little guidance in the right direction. Because joining a sport teaches how to balance responsibilities and opens up opportunities to succeed, I highly suggest getting involved now—it’s never too late. And it’s easy! Just log off Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter; then hit the ball, pitch a strike, run a mile or take a shot; and lastly, ask for help when you need the extra boost. Let’s do away with the stereotypes; instead we can combine the nerds and the jocks to make the SuperStudent-Athlete.