Equal Balance

Entering my freshman year of high school was scary. I was nervous going into a brand new environment while also trying to balance a more time consuming Worlds team. I knew it was going to be very difficult. There are so many things going on at once that it can cause emotions of feeling very overwhelmed. Sometimes the stress can feel unbearable. I have learned that you can do anything you put your mind to with a positive mindset. Even when things seem impossible to overcome, positivity is the key to all major successes. Now that I have made it halfway through the school year, I can now say honestly it’s not that bad. The most difficulty I’ve faced is trying to complete work I’ve missed from not being in school due to traveling for competitions. When you’re out of the state you’re not thinking of the work that’s piling up and waiting for you at home. I’ve learned some tips along the way to make it easier on myself that I’d like to share. If you know you’re about the leave for a competition be smart and bring your work with you. Also, have someone you know that is reliable to send you the homework for each day you missed while you were out. Instead of sitting around doing nothing, do something productive that can benefit you in the long run. The missed assignments are things you can be doing in your hotel room while you’re sitting around doing nothing after you compete. Honestly, if you stay on top of your work, study, and catch up on your notes there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be on the same level as the students who were in school while you were out. It is important as young black, female student athletes that we remain educated and aware because this world is changing. Either you get with it or get left behind.

~ Meah Baker