Student athletes are held at a higher standard no matter what sport they play or what institution they attend.

But why is that? Why are student athletes viewed through a scope of being more responsible for the actions they take than those who are not athletes?

I honestly believe it is because playing a sport is a privilege. There are a lot of benefits that come with the involvement of sports at an institution.

The rules and regulations are different from other students. There’s a handbook of the institution’s rules as well as additional rules for athletes.

Social media has taken over our world. Twitter and Instagram are used by athletes extensively.

You are portraying an image when you’re a part of a team so it’s very important to watch what you tweet and the pictures you post.

This is the easiest way for a student athlete to get called to the office. As humans, we should know by now what is acceptable and unacceptable to say.

If you ever have second thoughts about writing something, your best bet is to avoid saying it.

Being a part of a team is something special and shouldn’t be taken for granted. That’s why athletes are held at a higher standard to be responsible and respectful. It’s about being aware of your surroundings as well. It’s not smart to put yourself in a position that makes you feel uncomfortable. People are watching closely.

I always felt, if you never do anything that could jeopardize your ability to play the sport you love, you will never have to worry.

It’s not easy balancing school with sports. The main key is to only balance school and sports. Outside distractions on top of those two will make it very difficult to remain focus on the greater task.

Coaches always emphasis playing the sport you love and earning your degree while doing it. Being a student athlete is very difficult but well worth it.

I’ve learned a lot being a part of a sports organization like teamwork. Working together is much better than being alone going through things in certain situations.

It also teaches you to have each other’s back through good and bad times. Responsibility is a huge aspect as well.

Everyone makes mistakes and in life you have to be responsible for your actions and take credit of what you’ve done.

On the brighter side, being responsible earns trust from others. Student athletes must play hard, work hard, and do the right thing to be successful on and off the court, field, course. or track. Playing sports in college is a privilege.