Being a student athlete comes with several responsibilities that not only enforce discipline but also create a lifestyle that almost always feels more stressful than that of a regular student. However, from early morning practice to late night study hall hours, being a student athlete makes you more appreciative for the small things in college that most students don't get to experience.

1. The sunrise that breaks the darkness of a cold fall morning.

As most students remain in bed until noon, sleeping off the crazy night they endured just 3 hours ago, you're awake at 6:15 AM dreading the sound of your annoying alarm clock. As you head to practice, layered in clothing, you bitc* about how much you hate being athletic until that small ray of light hits your face. As you peer over your shoulder to see a sky full of orange and pink, you are instantly amazed by its beauty and immediately realize how lucky you are to be awake at a time when everyone else is silent but you're ready to conquer the day.

2. Teammates

Yes, being best friends with your roommate is always a bonus and having that core group to Instagram pictures with is a necessity; however, having a team of people who struggle with you day in and day out, who share the same success and failures, and who will always have your back no matter what, is something you can never take for granted. Being apart of a team teaches you how to value the small gestures in life, whether it be a pat on the back or a full on family breakfast at Lakeside, nothing beats the company of 26 best friends.

3. NARP (non athletic regular people) friends

Although the above statement says otherwise, when you make a friend outside of your designated sport, that is the definition of true success. It's refreshing to know people that aren't constantly talking about how awful practice was that day or how sore they're feeling. Having the ability to balance teammates and NARPs opens your eyes to so much more and only further progresses the friendships that will last you a lifetime.

4. Required study hall hours

Being forced to sit in a room for six hours a week under the watch of that one lady who constantly tells you to get off your phone doesn't seem too enjoyable. If anything, it feels more like high school. However, as you arrive back at your dorm by 6 or 7 PM knowing that all your work is done, you learn to appreciate the structured lifestyle you've signed up for.

5. Recognition

Walking around campus sporting your Under Armor backpack makes you feel on top of the world. It's not everyday that you get to represent your school/community, and although you may feel pressure to always be working hard and never make a mistake, it means everything when someone you don't know commends you for your accomplishments. In the end, it reminds you that you're not only working hard for yourself, but for others who may admire you as well.

When other's constantly ask, "is it stressful?", "do you get to go out?", "who do you hang out with?" etc, it makes you wonder if being a student athlete is worth it all in the end. However, not everyone is given the opportunity to represent their university. Yes, it is stressful. It takes a certain person to be able to balance school, athletics, and a social life, but in the end, you're challenging yourself, and that's what I'll appreciate the most.