1. Your "dream" is actually possible.

The athletic world is competitive (obviously). You will be faced with tons of adversity, resistance, opposition, and difficulties, but don't you ever let anyone tell you that it is not possible to live your dream. If I would have listened to those voices of antagonism, saying that I am too small, not good enough, and lacking, I wouldn't be having the time of my life successfully living the dream of being a D1 collegiate athlete. Your dream is absolutely possible if it is backed by hard work and determination.

2. You gain a whole new family.

Upon arrival at your college, you automatically gain 25 new sisters like I did (or in some cases 100 new brothers). You never have to worry about fitting in because your new siblings are just like you having the same ugly tan lines and awkward man-arms. You also have 25+ new moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas, who will love you like their own and feed you as often as they can.

3. Good habits are inevitably created.

The habits you create in college are very likely to follow you through the rest of your life. As a college athlete, you will definitely instill the habits of a healthy lifestyle. Academically, good habits will also be made when it comes to keeping up with your school work, which will eventually translate over the the work world later in life. Most importantly, college athletics will create in you the habit to get back up every time you are knocked down. You will inevitably be faced with adversity in college; you will lose games just like you will lose in life sometimes. You will learn how to stay grounded, humble, and persevere in order to come back even stronger.

4. Endless doors of opportunities will be opened.

College athletics involve tons of people and places. You will constantly meet new people as well as travel to many new places. Your eyes will be opened to a whole new world you've never even imagined. You will make so many connections that your head will spin. These connections will surly open doors to job offers, relationships, new interests, and so much more. The spotlight shined on college athletes will also shed some light on doors you couldn't even see before.

5. You will learn to manage your time.

You really don't have a choice as a student-athlete. Between condition, weights, class, study hall, practice, games, community service, and team bonding, you literally will learn to manage your time or die. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but I promise that you will learn how to squeeze in two 30 minute naps in one day, make it to class from the parking lot in three and a half minutes, and push through studying on a six hour bus ride.

6. Crucial life skills will be attained.

Some of these crucial life skills include being coachable. One day when you have a great relationship with your new boss, you will thank your coach for teaching you how to follow rules, work harder than everyone around you, and take constructive criticism like a champ. You will also become a skilled public speaker. College athletes tend to be in the public eye and put on the spot a lot. Countless interviews, community events, and camps will give you ample time to refine your public speaking skills. Teamwork is also a skill, which cannot be escaped from in college. You will learn how to get along with all kinds of different people from around the country. You will learn so much about their hometowns, cultures, and may even pick up a few things from their crazy accents.

7. You can glorify God.

God has blessed you with talents and abilities. Do not take this opportunity for granted, whether you are striving to become a collegiate athlete or you are already there. You can touch so many lives as well as gain so much ground on your path to Heaven through your years of athletics. So please, dream big. Work hard. Don't forget where you came from. Enjoy every moment God allows you to LIVE THE DREAM!