Although college is a time in a young person’s life where they should be focused on their scholastic career, students also divide their time between their social lives, in order to have fun during their college career; however, dividing the time between work and friends can become extremely stressful.

College is a time where there are almost infinite distractions, friends being a major aspect. Although it’s important to have a healthy social life, it’s also extremely important to get good grades. In order to achieve both of these aspects priorities must be set; unfortunately, these priorities can become difficult to cope with, no matter what sort of student you are.

One student, Brandon Suwanpratest, feels the stress of juggling both his school, social and athletic life; however, being a member of Millikin University’s football team does offer its own different aspects concerning social life.

When asked how playing a collegiate sport impacts the social aspect of college, Suwanpratest said “playing collegiate sports impacts social life by meeting different people from different places as your teammates. Also, it opens the door to meet other athletes and their friends.”

Indeed playing a collegiate sport definitely helps the athlete create a great bond with other players. By spending almost countless hours practicing, conditioning and playing the game, lifelong friendships and connections can become solidified. Additionally, playing a collegiate sport further helps student athletes create networks of other people. By constantly meeting new players, it introduces a student athlete to other athletes from around the country, further increasing their social life.

Although being a student athlete can increase the number of people that you’re acquainted with, the increase in numbers can further take time away from both the social and scholarly aspect of college. However, according to Suwanpratest, there is always a chance to make time.

When asked how much time he has to spend with his friends and acquaintances, Suwanpratest said, “I would say I have a good amount of time to hang out with friends other than during football. Always after practice, in between classes and especially after completing homework.”

Although football practice is a great way for student athletes to spend time with their friends on the team, it’s also a time where the focus should be centered on improving the game. However, by making time around the day when a student has a free moment or two, short time with friends can be spent.

Additionally, because schoolwork in college can be exceptionally trying, it’s important to allow downtime after completing studies, as student athletes need time to relax from spending a long day practicing and completing homework. However, although it’s important to make time to unwind, there are still important priorities that must be accounted for.

Student athletes must divide times three different ways, between school, sports and their social life, which can all be pretty demanding at times.

When asked how he juggles all of these priorities, Suwanpratest said, “Well class is always important, so that’s my major goal here on campus. Second is football, because that is another reason why I am here. And then friends always come into the equation either during school and football or in between.”

In order to be successful as a student athlete, priorities must be set about what’s most important regarding focus, which, for most student athletes, centers on both school work and athletics. Nevertheless, because having friends is an important aspect of the college experience, it’s also important to make time for them.